Plant Engineering articles from December 2004

Plant Engineering archives from December 2004

Military man reemployed.(READER FEEDBACK)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... In response to the October 2004 Human Side column, the advice provided in the "Military man reemployed at his own request" scenario is not entirely correct. The former employee is not entitled to reemployment, but not for the stated reason that...

Book encourages firms in crisis to look inside.(Forum)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Faced with a crisis, corporations typically respond by naming a panel of outside experts or by hiring high-priced consultants. But according to MIT Sloan Professor Janice Klein, author of True Change: How Outsiders on the Inside Get Things Done...

Winds of inflation blowing strong.(Forum)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Smell the whiff of inflation? In the 12-month period ending September 2004, the average cost to make factory equipment and tools jumped 5.6%. That's a sharp detour from the no-to-low inflation trend that had characterized the past 10 yr. By...

Price/cost/demand roundup.(Forum)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 1, 2004... Price/cost/demand roundup AVERAGE PRODUCT PRICES Construction & Maintenance Supplies % CHANGE DURING 12 MONTHS ENDING Industry June 04 Sept 04 ...

Excellence in common.(Comment)
December 1, 2004... This issue is devoted to the first plants to be recognized in our PLANT ENGINEERING Top Plants program--Hewlett Packard Caribe BV and S & C Electric John R. Conrad Industrial Complex. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These two plants are very...

Monitoring your people: how far should you go?(Human side)
December 1, 2004... Maintenance Foreman Jim Davis glanced at his wrist. The Valentine jig construction job should have been done by now. Ralph Perkins was running late. It wasn't the first time. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Davis picked up the phone and called...

Employee on sick leave: How long should seniority accrue?(Human side)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Sick leave typically runs a few weeks or months. But in some circumstances, it can last longer, much longer. If such is the case, should the employee's seniority extend as long as his illness, or be cut short at some point, and if cut short,...

Can a male employee be required to cut his hair?(Human side)
December 1, 2004... It's a free country, right? Maintenance Department Mechanic Alex Santanya wasn't so sure. How free was it if the company could order an employee to cut his hair and restrain him from wearing his favorite earrings? The issue exploded the...

Just the man for the job.(Human side)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... When Senior Electrician Greg Kennedy resigned to go into business with his brother, the vacancy was posted on the bulletin board. Four junior electricians put in for the job. Maintenance Foreman Chuck Winkler reviewed the applicants'...

Take advantage of powerful human relations tool.(Human side)
December 1, 2004... Plant Engineer Harold Morris summoned Maintenance Supervisor Frank Fergusen to his office. Fergusen eyed the Quarterly Turnover Report on his desk apprehensively, suspecting why he had been called. His suspicions were quickly validated. ...

Should you take steps to postpone an employee's jury duty?(Human side)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... When Instrument Mechanic Joe Molinaro, age 58, heard he was selected for jury duty, anyone would think he had won the Pulitzer Prize. "It's the first time I was ever called," he crowed. "I was beginning to think there was something wrong...

How much leave should an employee be granted?(Human side)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Don Redlich, a supervisor in the plant engineering department, was conscientious, hardworking, and ambitious. He was always reading books and taking courses via the Internet and by mail. One day, Redlich approached his boss's desk with an...

A dismissible employee who's competent.(Human side)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... What to do when a qualified worker you want to fire insists he's overdue for a raise? One alternative is to tear your hair out. But that option didn't appeal to Maintenance Manager Harry Richfield. Yet even Richfield would have had to...

Guidelines for protecting ac motors.(Book Review)
December 1, 2004... AC Motor Protection develops the electrical, mechanical, and thermal models that determine motor characteristics and that lead to optimum thermal and fault protection. Written for anyone who specifies or sets motor protective relays, this 90-p...

When it breaks, fix it.(Managing Maintenance Shutdowns and Outages )(Book Review)
December 1, 2004... Managing Maintenance Shutdowns and Outages is a book designed for use in heavy maintenance environments including refineries, power plants, chemical plants, mines, airports, large factories, and other large facilities. It is designed...

Maintenance information in a small package.(Book Review)
December 1, 2004... Mechanical Trades Pocket Manual is a concise reference for maintenance and mechanical craftspersons. It provides information for preventive maintenance and mechanical repair, and includes tricks of the trade that will help mechanics expected to...

Practical text teaches control system design.(Book Review)
December 1, 2004... Analog and Digital Circuits for Electronic Control System Applications covers the latest techniques in microcontroller-based control system design using the MSP430 microcontroller from Texas Instruments (TI). Today's control systems...

Step-by-step approach for learning CAD.(Book Review)
December 1, 2004... Beginning AutoCAD 2004 is a course based on learning and practicing the essentials of 2D drawing using AutoCAD. Its hands-on approach is suited to independent learning as well as classroom instruction. The book's focus on 2D drawing offers the...

NEC explained for installers.(National Electric Code )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Guide to the 2005 National Electric Code extracts need-to-know information from the new National Electric Code (NEC), then arranges it for easy access and highlights the changes. Rather than covering everything in the NEC, this book...

Using current transformers in power protection systems.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Analyzing and Applying Current Transformers is a reference book concerned with the application and operation of current transformers (CTs) used as current transducers for input to protective relays in electrical power systems. The book presents...

Is RFID ready for the plant floor?(Plant electronics)(radiofrequency identification)
December 1, 2004... The latest in wireless identification technology offers potential for using radio frequency identification (RFID) on the plant floor for asset maintenance. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Most people use RFID technology on a daily basis without...

2004 Top Plants.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... PLANT ENGINEERING proudly presents the first plants to receive our Top Plants Recognition, Hewlett Packard Caribe BV and S & C Electric John R. Conrad Industrial Complex. Objectives of the PLANT ENGINEERING Top Plants Recognition Program are...

Hewlett Packard Caribe BV: excellence in energy conservation, waste management, and preventive/predictive maintenance earn Top Plant honors.
December 1, 2004... Outside the Employee Center at the Hewlett Packard Caribe BV site in Aguadilla, PR, a modest structure that resembles the front of a garage serves as a constant reminder. In 1939, Stanford University classmates Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard...

Instant valves.(Power transmission: Suggestions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... "ASCO Today" is a customer excellence program that guarantees same-day shipment of select items across their product lines. Orders in by 3:00 p.m. EST are guaranteed to ship the same day or the freight is free. Products are outlined in a 224-p...

RPP drive belt.(Power transmission: Products)
December 1, 2004... Eliminator belt is engineered to replace any RPP tooth-profile belt of the same width and comparable length, while providing double the service life of RPP belts. Designed to run on existing RPP sprockets and idlers, and with the same tension...

Desiccant breather.(Power transmission: Products)
December 1, 2004... Watchdog desiccant breathers are a unique particle filtration and water removal system. They prevent contaminants from entering equipment as air is breathed in and out due to thermal expansion or fluid level changes. They are designed to...

Grid coupling.(Power transmission: Products)
December 1, 2004... 1000 Series grid couplings combine high-torque, high-horsepower operation with vibration, shock, and misalignment capabilities not provided by other metallic coupling types. The couplings feature an advanced design with a high-tensile alloy...

Hinged collars.(Power transmission: Products)
December 1, 2004... A line of low-cost, hinged shaft collars can be placed anywhere on a shaft, have a smooth bore, and can be used with thin-wall tubing. Collars are offered in steel and stainless steel in 15 popular sizes from 3/8-in. to 2-in. ID. They have...

Linear bearing system.(Power transmission: Products)
December 1, 2004... DryLin R plastic linear bearings require no lubrication or maintenance. DryLin S anodized aluminum shafting is optimized for friction and wear to work seamlessly with these bearings. Together, this complete motion-control system is low cost,...

Vertical pump bearings.(Power transmission: Products)
December 1, 2004... 97000 Series angular contact ball bearing sets feature a split inner ring to accommodate thrust in either direction, provide extremely high thrust-carrying capacity, and allow for an optimum ball complement in their assembly. They can serve as...

Solid bearings.(Power transmission: Products)
December 1, 2004... Graphalloy 845PTB Series pillow blocks are available for conveyors with closely spaced rolls or other confined areas. The units are offered in sizes from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and interchange with most standard ball bearing pillow blocks. They are...

Steam system drawings.(Fluid handling: Suggestions)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... CAD Centre is a greatly expanded online system used as a design aid for steam system engineering. It comprises a central online library offering component and application drawings for download in either AutoCad or Windows Metafile (.wmf)...

Test valves online.(Fluid handling: Suggestions)
December 1, 2004... Partial-Stroke Valve Testing package ensures the safe and reliable operation of emergency shutdown valves. In response to a need for reduced test intervals without interrupting operations, the package was developed as an online, partial-stroke...

Centrifugal pumps.(Fluid handling: Training)(National Technology Transfer, Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... An intensive 2-day seminar provides information on how to make pumps run at peak performance, how to specify the right pump, and troubleshooting strategies. Other topics include: how to read pump curves, calculate energy loads, determine causes...

Mag drive pump.(Fluid handling: Products)
December 1, 2004... MagMax sealless centrifugal pumps offer affordable secondary containment in an easy-to-maintain magnetic drive design. Nonwearing silicon carbide bearings are standard. The stator core is field repairable. The pump is interchangeable with...

Pumps monitor.(Fluid handling: Products)
December 1, 2004... PumpSmart Model 200 Version 4.0 is a microprocessor based, variable speed drive programmed specifically for centrifugal pumps up to 700 hp. It has features that improve pump reliability and performance by protecting the pump from operating in...

HVAC cleaning system.(HVAC: Products)
December 1, 2004... COIL-FLO 500 HVAC cleaning system removes microbial contamination, dust, soil, and debris so HVAC systems can operate more efficiently and odor free. The mobile, 500-psi cleaning system penetrates coil bundles up to 16-in. thick. System...

HVAC controls.(HVAC: Products)
December 1, 2004... Simplicity Intelli-Comfort controls provide monitoring, control setup flexibility, and operational control of a building's HVAC system. Controls are designed to manage up to 250 units, and are compatible with the MODBUS protocol. Features...

Energy efficient fan.(HVAC: Products)
December 1, 2004... Powerfoil is a high-volume/low-speed fan that provides 35% more air flow than previous airfoil fan. Designed to operate at a lower speed, this fan boasts a 400% increase in energy efficiency than company's previous airfoil. Use fan to...

Pressure sensor.(HVAC: Products)
December 1, 2004... Model 528 strain gauge, industrial transducer is designed for applications such as HVAC compressors, hydraulic test, power plants, and refrigeration. Sensor's CVD strain gauge design resists aging and is virtually insensitive to thermal...

Reverse impeller fan.(HVAC: Products)
December 1, 2004... ECOFIT motorized fans with backward impellers are designed to deliver low-noise and highly efficient heat discharge in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units. Fans have IP44 protection rating and are produced in sizes with maximum airflow of...

DP pressure transmitter.(HVAC: Products)
December 1, 2004... Series 629 differential pressure transmitter with optional 3-way valve can be used to monitor differential pressures on HVAC equipment such as water chillers, coils, heat exchangers, and pumps. Optional integral valve manifold allows pressures...

Keep equipment in shape.(Compressors: Suggestions)
December 1, 2004... A brochure is available for plants interested in keeping their compressors and other rotating equipment operating at peak efficiency. The guide describes the capabilities of RECON condition and monitoring services. The service integrates all...

Cool enclosures.(Compressors: Products)
December 1, 2004... Vortex Coolers keep electrical cabinets and control panels cool, clean, and protected. An affordable, maintenance-free alternative to air conditioners, the easy-to-install devices have no moving parts to wear out. Refrigerated air produced by...

Clean up condensate.(Compressors: Products)
December 1, 2004... The Kaeser Condensate filter (KCF) is designed to filter out oil and other contaminants from compressed air, making the water safe for disposal. The key to the KCF is a three-stage, self-contained plastic filter cartridge, which is extremely...

Measure air mass.(Compressors: Products)
December 1, 2004... FlexMASSter ST98B-CA is for process engineers who need highly accurate air flow measurement to support plant compressed air systems. The unit combines superior flow sensing performance with a streamlined feature set in a high-value,...

Plastic air pipe.(Compressors: Products)
December 1, 2004... Air-Pro compressed air piping system is designed specifically for compressed air applications and is safe and reliable, offering fast, low-cost installation. The pipe is engineered for continuous operating pressures of 230 psi. Color-coded blue...

Localized UPS.(Instruments & controls: Products)
December 1, 2004... Quint Buffer and Quint DC-UPS uninterruptible power supplies ensure continuous operation of 24 Vdc control devices at the control panel during power interruptions. For power interruptions lasting up to 4 sec, the buffer module supplies the...

Ethernet link to PC-based control.(Instruments & controls: Products)
December 1, 2004... T1H-EBC100 module provides an Ethernet link between the company's Terminator I/O products and PC-based control software. Module supports TCP/IP, UDP/IP, and IPX at 10/100 Mbps. AutomationDirect automationdirect.com Write 325 on PE...

IR video upgrade.(Instruments & controls: Products)
December 1, 2004... Omegascope OS530 series handheld infrared (IR) thermometer has been upgraded with a digital video camera and distance measuring options. Unit is a still camera as well as a video camcorder with built in microphone and speaker. Camera has 2M...

Vision sensing.(Instruments & controls: Products)
December 1, 2004... Checker 101 is an economical vision sensor that can detect the presence of items during the manufacturing process and help users solve problems that could not be solved using photoelectric sensors. Designed to be easy to install, setup, and...

Small computer.(Software & computers: Products)
December 1, 2004... LPC-401FL fanless computer system is small enough to fit in the palm of the hand. Compact and rugged computer is ideal for embedded control, digital signs, interactive kiosks, thin-clients, and HMI applications. Robust aluminum chassis is 10...

PCI communication card.(Software & computers: Products)
December 1, 2004... PCI-AC48 is an isolated, high-speed adapter card designed to link RS-485 serial devices with computers using the standard peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus included on most PCs. The card supports communication with the company's...

New filtration technology keeps cooling tower water clean.(FILTRATION TRENDS)(Orival water filters)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Every cooling tower has its unique dirt conditions, space constraints and other special characteristics. Filtration systems must take these into account in order to maintain particle free water. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION...

Hide a key.(Solutions)
December 1, 2004... PROBLEM: A spare key for a locked office, storeroom, or similar area must be kept out of sight, yet accessible. Where can the key be stored? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOLUTION: Tape the key inside the switch plate on a convenient light...

Curing stubbornness.(Solutions)
December 1, 2004... PROBLEM: Some nuts are often stubborn and no amount of penetrating oil and manual effort seem to help get them off. What else can be done? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOLUTION: For only the most difficult jobs, put iodine on the nuts and...

Carrying cords and hoses.(Solutions)
December 1, 2004... PROBLEM: Hauling around extension cords, air lines, or hoses can be a problem since they often tangle or simply get in the way. Is there an easy way to carry these items? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOLUTION: Coil the items in a 5-gal...