Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from September 2004

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from September 2004

Drive system.
September 1, 2004... A line of preloaded rack-and-pinion drive systems for axis drives can eliminate the backlash between the rack and pinion by using two pinions: one to drive the axis and one to preload the axis to eliminate the backlash. Two models are...

Ladder.
September 1, 2004... The Cross-Over ladder features a two-sided, high handrail with a mid-rail and fixed toeboards to prevent objects from rolling off. The steps are serrated, and the all-steel construction with rubber leg pads provide stability while in use....

Rider scrubber.
September 1, 2004... The Advance Adgressor rider scrubber for the industrial environment features a modular scrub-deck system with eight options in disc or cylindrical styles. Operators can see what they are cleaning and where they are going with the Clear-View t...

The China price.(Editorial Comments)
September 1, 2004... That's what it's called now: the China price. It's the price the Chinese offer on almost any given product, and it's lower than anyone else's. The China price is what nearly put Sebastian Murray out of business a few years ago. The president of...

New overtime rules give and take.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2004... The federal law that governs overtime pay underwent its biggest overhaul in more than 60 years last month as the Department of Labor's Fair Pay Initiative took effect. The new rules change the guidelines companies use to determine which...

Boeing on hiring spree.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2004... After several years of layoffs that have reduced Boeing Co.'s employee ranks by more than 30,000, the aerospace giant said it is now searching for up to 11,000 people to fill a variety of jobs in many of its locations. The jobs range from...

California polluter fined $4.3 million.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2004... A Saugus, CA based plastics manufacturer pleaded guilty last month to felony charges of conspiracy, falsifying records, and illegal disposal of waste. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles, the Keysor Century Corp. will pay...

OSHA releases new whistleblower procedures.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2004... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration released new whistleblower procedures last month, based on provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The procedures, printed in the Federal Register, are part of the 2002 law that was enacted to...

BP begins production of low-sulfur gasoline.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2004... Refiner BP has commissioned a new Clean Gasoline Unit on the West Coast to produce low-sulfur fuels that it said will exceed all current and pending gasoline quality regulations. The facility is located at BP's Cherry Point Refinery in the...

Supplier opens facility on Ford's new manufacturing campus.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2004... Auto-interior maker Lear Corp. last month officially opened its new facility at Ford Motor Co.'s Chicago Manufacturing Campus in Chicago. The Southfield, MI-based company is one of 12 suppliers participating in the 155-acre supplier campus, the...

Multi-year strike ends at Colorado steel mill.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2004... Federal labor officials last month approved a settlement that will end a nearly seven-year strike by more than 1,000 workers at the Rocky Mountain Steel mill in Pueblo, CO. Under the settlement, striking members of the United Steelworkers will...

Permatex, Inc. reborn ... after a century of tradition.(Corporate Profiles 2004)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2004... The Permatex[R] Brand has been a fixture in the industrial and automotive maintenance markets for nearly one hundred years, representing unmatched quality, innovative technology and unparalleled service. Yet it was the sale of Permatex in...

Fluid Power Society.
September 1, 2004... The Fluid Power Society, Cherry Hill, NJ, will offer its University of Fluid Power (UFP) classes Nov. 8-12 at Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH. A condensed education program that focuses on fluid power and design concepts, UFP...

The University of California, Davis, has opened the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) on its campus near Sacramento.
September 1, 2004... The University of California, Davis, has opened the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) on its campus near Sacramento. A research facility that will develop next-generation lighting technologies, the CLTC was developed with funding...

Mag Instrument, Inc.
September 1, 2004... Mag Instrument, Inc., will begin construction this month on a 700,000-sq.-ft, manufacturing facility at its headquarters location in Ontario, CA. The maker of Maglite flashlights said it expects to complete construction next year. The project...

CertainTeed Corp.
September 1, 2004... CertainTeed Corp., Valley Forge, PA, opened a new, state-of-the-art mechanical insulation manufacturing plant in Sherman, TX, last month. The 518,000-sq.-ft. facility is in a former auto glass manufacturing plant that had stood idle for four...

The Environmental Protection Agency has certified the Ford Escape Hybrid as the first hybrid SUV for sale in the U.S.
September 1, 2004... The Environmental Protection Agency has certified the Ford Escape Hybrid as the first hybrid SUV for sale in the U.S. The EPA said it complies with new emission standards for light-duty vehicles and trucks, and estimates that the 2-wheel drive...

Associated Fuel Pump Systems Corp. will invest $20 million in its Anderson, SC, manufacturing plant in order to begin production of a new, high-efficiency automotive fuel pump.
September 1, 2004... Associated Fuel Pump Systems Corp. will invest $20 million in its Anderson, SC, manufacturing plant in order to begin production of a new, high-efficiency automotive fuel pump. The auto supplier, a joint venture between Robert Bosch GmbH of...

Calendar.(Calendar)
September 1, 2004... * Sept. 8-15 * IMTS--International Manufacturing Technology Show; Chicago, IL; Society of Manufacturing Engineers; 800-733-4763; sme.org. * Sept. 10-17 * 92nd Annual Safety Congress & Expo; New Orleans, LA; National Safety Council;...

Butterfly valve.(Product focus: fluid power equipment)
September 1, 2004... The 710-Series butterfly valve can be installed between lined pipe fittings, metallic raised-face pipe fittings, unlined FRP fittings, and in dual-laminate piping systems. It is constructed of corrosion-resistant fiberglass-reinforced cast...

Pinch Valve.(Product focus: fluid power equipment)
September 1, 2004... The bi-directional Type A Pinch Valve features a full-port opening and straight-through flow path to eliminate turbulence when open. The two-piece body acts as a built-in pneumatic actuator. Fabricated elastomer sleeves offer maximum wear...

Valve system.(Product focus: fluid power equipment)
September 1, 2004... The Clean Line, Series CL03 valve system consists of individual sub-bases in inch or ISO-G ports. Because each sub-base has its own integrated circuit card, the system can be expanded up to 16 valves in single-valve increments. Choose from...

Hose.(Product focus: fluid power equipment)
September 1, 2004... Any application can be matched by a PIRFORM high-pressure hose, each identified by a color-coding system. PIRFORM 25 with blue lay line is a constant working pressure hose of 3500 p.s.i. and is available in sizes from 1/4-in. bore to 1 in....

Sanitary pump.(Product focus: fluid power equipment)
September 1, 2004... The sanitary high-pressure pump is suited for applications such as pumping viscous low-fat foods, large particulate products, meat emulsions and thick pastes. It features precise metering capabilities and inherent pulseless flow. The...

Bolted pump.(Product focus: fluid power equipment)
September 1, 2004... The E3 Aluminum Bolted Pump features a leak-free design that uses an air-valve system to eliminate stalling, icing and lubricating. It can handle bulk chemical transfer, resins transfer, wastewater treatment, filter press applications and...

FPI Thermoplastics, Inc.: a rebound with an MEP assist: when this New Jersey-based injection molder suffered a critical loss of business, it turned to its state Manufacturing Extension Partnership program for help. Now, it's a competitor on the world market.(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... Culture change can come in many forms. While it's often driven by the need to improve poor production techniques or simply by new leadership, sometimes it takes place when a company learns the hard way that its business strategy is about to...

Monitor.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Particulate Continuous Emissions Monitor meets CAM, MACT and Title V regulations. It features induction-sensing and protected-probe technologies. The unit functions in carbon black, power, cement and asphalt plants, and in incinerator,...

Engine silencer.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Nelson brand single and dual inlet puck-style engine silencer fits in the smallest enclosures, and is suitable for portable power applications. The low-skin-temperature design incorporates an extra layer of packed acoustic/thermal...

Locking hole plug.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The miniature locking hole plug is designed to snap into panels to close excess chassis holes, wiring outlets, and production-access holes. It is molded in tough, resilient, heat-stabilized nylon. Seven sizes, from 3/16 to 7/8 in., are...

Boiler.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Futera II Series boilers feature a non-condensing design, with a troubleshooting and self-diagnostic control, providing a step-by-step cycle of operation. Each step is automatically tested and indicated. The unit features a stainless steel...

New Pig--your partner for a clean and safe workplace.(Corporate Profile)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2004... In 1985 New Pig invented and patented the world's first contained absorbent--the PIGr Absorbent Sock--and revolutionized the industrial cleanup industry. Today New Pig has grown into a multi-channel, multi-brand supplier of products designed...

Making the PLC Internet-ready.(Tech Check)
September 1, 2004... Is it possible to connect production and processing machinery by their PLCs to the Internet? Is it practical or profitable? The short answers: First, Internet access can provide compelling advantages by linking manufacturers with service...

Container.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The T-PAK MAX3 collapsible container is constructed of high-impact polypropylene and includes matching lid. On the production floor, the container is compatible with most dumping equipment, and is designed with a non-sequential folding action....

Chemical cleanser.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The GritMaster hand-cleaner product line includes Citra Clean, a waterless hand cleaner that contains citrus oils; Krystal, an industrial cleaner; Homerun, a solvent-free hand cleaner that contains tiny scrubbers; and Maxi Blue, a heavy-duty...

Pallet truck.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Model 112XD walkie pallet truck features a four-point lift system. Shock dampening bushings absorb impact loads from dock plates, and the undercarriage is component-free. Other features include quick-change drive tires, solid steel pull rods...

Fiberclass insulation.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Valulite Fiberglass Insulation for HVAC applications is made from borosilicate glass fibers, which are bonded with a thermosetting resin. The insulation blanket forms around corners and curved surfaces, and can be cut in die presses or with a...

ProPres[R] system: better copper connections, easier installations and flameless maintenance.(Corporate Profiles 2004)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2004... ProPress[R] is rapidly becoming the preferred way to design and install plumbing and beating systems. Connections install quickly, keeping projects oil schedule. Flameless joining eliminates fire risk and leaky soldered joints. Also, building...

Hammer Drill.(Product roundup: power tools)
September 1, 2004... The Hilti UH 650 1/2-in. Universal Hammer Drill features two speeds, a variable-speed trigger, and forward and reverse functions. It is suitable for drilling small-diameter masonry holes and holes in wood or steel. A grease chamber prevents...

Wire stripper.(Product roundup: power tools)
September 1, 2004... The L2S Bench Wire Stripper removes film insulations from round wires, including enamel, Formvar, ML, armored poly-thermaleze and epoxy. A high-speed rotating insert strips insulation from the surface of the wire. It is suitable for...

Reciprocating saw.(Product roundup: power tools)
September 1, 2004... The RS line of reciprocating saw features three models: the RS5, RS10 and RS20 (shown). The RS20 features the LockJaw blade-change system, dual-speed control, integrated rafter hook, and the Direct-Connect cord management system. The Brute...

Rotary hammer.(Product roundup: power tools)
September 1, 2004... The BHE-D24 (D-handle) rotary hammer drills into stone, concrete, wood, and steel. Featuring a gooseneck, steel-depth gauge, the rotary hammer can reduce operator reaching in both down-drilling and overhead drilling. It incorporates Variospeed...

Monoflange assembly.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... These slimline, process-monoflange assemblies replace multi-valve assemblies with a single manifold. Block, block-and-bleed, and double block-and-bleed, flanged manifolds are available. Choose from bolted bonnet, outside screw and yoke,...

Terminal block .(Product News)
September 1, 2004... A series of one-piece, high-temperature, SMT-compatible PCB terminal blocks can be integrated into SMT manufacturing processes. The MKDS terminal block features a screw-cage design and interlocking dovetail. The user can integrate the...

Photoelectric sensor.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The F3 series of photoelectric sensors features robust aluminum anodized housing, epoxy lens with glass cover, and visible red light. Through-beam, retro-reflective and diffuse modes are offered. A copper wire with an M8 connector on the end...

Flashlight.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Little Ed is a lightweight, right-angle Xenon flashlight that attaches to clothing by a stainless steel clip. The ABS construction resists water and chemicals in hazardous locations. The faceted body fits in the hand. Alkaline and rechargeable...

Coating-application pump.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Zenith Chameleon Pumps for paint and coating applications are equipped with spur-precision metering gears. They feature only three moving parts. Standard material is 400 Series stainless steel, but the unit is available coated and made of...

Dimming ballast.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Mark 70-10V Electronic Dimming Ballast for T8 fluorescent lamps offers high-light output through a ballast factor of 1.18. Packaged within a low-profile housing, the ballast factor reduces fixture count. The unit dims lamps directly from a...

Lockbox.(Tech specs: safety & environmental control)
September 1, 2004... * Designed for lockout applications, this lockbox fits over and secures the plugs of any cord-connected device * Personnel can work safely on electrical equipment without fear of unexpected or unauthorized start-up * The lockbox can be...

Mounting Accessory for safety barriers.(Tech specs: safety & environmental control)
September 1, 2004... * KF-ExDuct is a mounting accessory for safety barriers and other DIN rail-mountable devices, suitable for hazardous applications * Up to 90 barriers can be mounted along a 1.8-m length, increasing wiring density 50% * A Power Rail...

Spill prevention.(Tech specs: safety & environmental control)
September 1, 2004... * Spill-STOP is designed to prevent hazardous chemical spills caused by diaphragm failure in air-operated diaphragm pumps * The design captures leaked product caused by a ruptured diaphragm, and pneumatically shuts off the pump * A...

Light curtain.(Tech specs: safety & environmental control)
September 1, 2004... * The MiniProtect MP2100 Protective Light Curtain provides Type 2 guarding on equipment * Two operating modes can be used in point-of-operation or perimeter-guarding applications * It provides 30-mm resolution, 15-m range, and...

Batteries.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... DataSafe HX valve-regulated lead-acid batteries use a polypropylene compound for high-temperature performance and vibration resistance. They are suitable for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) applications. The five models feature recessed...

Battery-operated pump.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Pumpac LT battery-operated pump powers hydraulic tools. It works with remote head crimp and cutter tools. It can be used while worn on the shoulder or strapped to a technician's back. The ergonomic design includes a carrying handle,...

Valve.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Circuit Sentry is an automatic, flow-limiting valve designed to adjust hydronic HVAC systems. Suitable in variable-speed pumping systems, the valve compensates for hydronic pressure differences. It consists of a ball-type shutoff valve,...

Connector system.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Five cable types, now available in yellow, are suitable for applications from standard PVC to robotic cables for 360-degree rotation. The connectors can be connected with the Click-n-Lock tool. With one turn you have a seal guaranteed by a...

Tubing.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... SupreneTPR tubing for peristaltic pumps, foods and beverage applications, chemical conveyance and packaging machinery uses polypropylene-based thermoplastic rubber. It resists tearing and fatigue from repeated flexing. It is available in...

Motor Fixture.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Adjustable Motor Fixtures are used to locate and hold a motor in place while running any test. Lead screw adjustment centers the motor while the T-Slot Base supplies multiple position options for various motor lengths. An adjustable bridge...

DC power supply.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The SDP-T Series DIN-mounted, plastic-housed DC power supplies take up less than one inch of rail width, and are available in designs from 15 to 100W. The screw terminal connections are simple and the mounting is tool-free. Sola/Hevi-Duty...

Dresser Piping Specialties.(Corporate Profiles 2004)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2004... Since the first Dresser[R] coupling patent was granted in 1891, Dresser Piping Specialties has pioneered numerous advances in piping technology. Dresser has earned a reputation for providing the water, industrial, oil and natural gas...

AutomationDirect.com.(Corporate Profiles 2004)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2004... AutomationDirect[R], originally founded as PLCDirect in 1994, has quickly grown from a tiny PLC company to a well-recognized name in the industrial automation market. As the first industrial controls company to successfully use a direct sales...

Servo system.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The S200/AKM servo system, consisting of a S200 servo drive and AKM servomotor, is suitable for semiconductor fabrication, electronic assembly, packaging, and woodworking equipment. The servo system features a SMARTFeedbackDevice, which...

Manifold.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The independent circuit or distribution type manifold is configurable in multiple sizes for industrial, commercial and clean applications. A manifold for hydraulic applications is precision-machined from 1018 zinc-plated steel. Those targeted...

Mounting device.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Rack-Snap insert is a patch-panel mounting device in both 24- and 48-port configurations. The panel snaps directly into the cabinet. The inserts are re-useable on standard rack unit sizes and fit into most manufacturers' EIA 310-D standard...

Wiring system.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Brad Power is a modular wiring system comprised of connectors molded onto cables for line voltage, MRO and low-voltage machinery applications. They are configurable and feature repeatable wiring topologies for multiple machine hook-ups. ...

Key upgrades improve cement plant's production, safety.(Field Report)
September 1, 2004... Rinker Materials Corp., West Palm Beach, FL, is one of the largest producers of bagged cement, ready-mix concrete and concrete block in the U.S. To increase productivity at its cement terminal in Port Everglades, FL, the company recently made...

Electric power systems generating powerful solutions.(Corporate Profiles 2004)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2004... When you choose Caterpillar for your electric power needs, you have the power of total support that includes a range of quality products backed by technical expertise and full-service solutions. Caterpillar has been building engines and...

Coating nozzle.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... This variable-coating nozzle features independent and remotely controlled spray widths, atomizing air and flow of liquids. Built with an internal Air Cap cylinder, these nozzles are suitable for manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and foods....

Connector.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Power Mod connector family offers 3 to 30 circuits for straight PCB, right-angle PCB, panel or cable mountings. It features mechanical polarized UL94V-O housings. The connectors also have up to four sequential pin mating options available...

Machine tool transformer.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The machine tool transformer, suitable for industrial equipment applications requiring an isolated step-down transformer, features lead wires, terminal blocks, lead screws and other configurations. The dual 120/240 V secondary windings are...

Fan.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Multiline Fans offer you a blade for each application. Choose from axial (AID), centrifugal (TID) and mixed-flow (MID) impellers, each mounted in a common housing. The axial and mixed-flow versions have adjustable pitch impellers. Casings are...

Cabinet cooler.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The 316SS stainless steel cabinet cooler resists heat and corrosion that could affect internal components. It includes an automatic drain filter separator so moisture does not pass to the inside of the electrical enclosure. An optional...

Humidity duct sensor.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The Q-Series relative-humidity duct sensors for HVAC building control applications features an embedded microprocessor that converts the sensor's digital signal to a continuous dc signal. The digital sensing technology requires no calibration...

Loading turntable.(Product roundup: loading dock equipment)
September 1, 2004... The SpectraMAX rotary turntable automatically wraps pallet loads with a spiral web of stretch film. The fork lift operator need not get off the vehicle to attach or sever the film. Steel construction protects electronics. Orion Packaging...

Pallet truck.(Product roundup: loading dock equipment)
September 1, 2004... The WP 2300 Series Walkie pallet truck for shipping/receiving docks and trailers, features an ergonomic X10 handle that reduces hand and wrist movements. The debris guard protects the load-wheel axle from items such as stretch wrap or plastic...

Docking system.(Product roundup: loading dock equipment)
September 1, 2004... The Ezi-dock system is used for sanitary bulk-bag discharging and unloading. The system fits bulk bags with fitted bag liners so the operator can place the two locking rings over the liner-spout end and lock in place. The system then clamps the...

Dock seal.(Product roundup: loading dock equipment)
September 1, 2004... The Frommelt RainGuard RG-3000 seals against water infiltration at the loading dock. It prevents product damage and contamination during loading or unloading and protects equipment and employees. Rite-Hite Corp. Use InfoLINK 4J1126 or...

Glove.(Show Preview)
September 1, 2004... The Zorb-It flat-dipped nitrile glove features a sponge-nitrile that conforms and adheres to the nylon shell. For general-purpose and industrial use, it can be repeatedly washed with no shrinkage and no de-lamination. Best Manufacturing...

Self-Retracting Lifeline.(Show Preview)
September 1, 2004... Falcon Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs) are made of stainless steel and aluminum internal components. Available in 20-, 30-, 50- and 65-ft. lengths in galvanized wire and stainless steel wire rope, the lifeline features engineered spring...

Respiratory protection.(Show Preview)
September 1, 2004... The FR-M40B assembly consists of a silicone face-piece, eyepiece outserts, a butyl rubber second skin for protection against industrial chemicals. The respirator assembly features dual ocular lenses and two integral speaking diaphragms. 3M...

Air filter.(Show Preview)
September 1, 2004... The V-bank Durafil air filter can be used in place of box-type filters or other ASHRAE-rated products. It is suitable for variable air volume (VAV) systems and air-starved systems. The enclosing frame and media pack supports are made of...

Disposable hood.(Show Preview)
September 1, 2004... The one-piece, disposable hood is designed with an integrated breathing tube and head suspension. Its Tyvek coating protects against air, moisture and hazardous materials, and the heat-taped seams form a liquid and gas-tight seal. Each hood is...

Earplugs.(Show Preview)
September 1, 2004... Matrix single-use earplugs are made of thermoplastic elastomer material processed by dual-density foam construction. The center of the plug is tightly compacted and denser than the outer portions of the plug. The semi-rigid core provides...

Lyon workspace products.(Corporate Profile)
September 1, 2004... Founded in 1901, Lyon celebrated its 100th year as the new millennium dawned. During that century the company has grown to become the largest and leading manufacturer of industrial storage and workspace products. Lyon was certified by...

Storage-products catalog.(Literature rack: material handling)
September 1, 2004... This condensed color catalog features storage products that are carried in stock for shipment to distribution centers. It describes all-welded cabinets, lockers, workstations, tool-storage units, modular drawer cabinets, shelving and racks. All...