Plant Engineering articles from February 2002

Plant Engineering archives from February 2002

Moral issues in the corporate world. (Reader Forum).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2002... I usually enjoy reading the Human Side articles in PLANT ENGINEERING, but I have to say after reading the "When work and religious observance conflict" story, I am sorely disappointed at the verdict formed. Just because the receptionist shares...

Whose right to know? (Editorial).(Editorial)
February 1, 2002... The attention to terrorism and possible attacks on industrial plants as well as public facilities has uncovered an interesting question: How much information about what goes on inside a plant is appropriate for public record? "Blatant...

No room for hands. (SimpleSolutions).
February 1, 2002... Problem: It is often impossible to hold a nut in place with your hand and start the bolt threads because the space is too narrow. Is there a way to reach in and hold the nut so the bolt can be started? Solution: Place the nut in the opening...

Preserving hole saws. (SimpleSolutions).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Problem: When using a hole saw, it is important to keep it lubricated while cutting. Most hole saw failures are due to heat. How can a hole saw be kept lubricated while it is being used? Solution: Use the hole saw to cut through a 1-in,...

Smooth as ice. (SimpleSolutions).(RTV silicone)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Problem: RTV silicone is used for numerous tasks. It is sticky and messy to work with. How can the RTV be smoothed out on a job without getting your hands all slopped up? Solution: After applying the RTV silicone where you want it, form it...

Don't compare apples with oranges. (Human side of Engineering).(personnel issues)
February 1, 2002... Electrician Grade II George Raven was more than mildly perturbed. His boss, Maintenance Foreman Pete Schiffo, was on his back again. "Get a move on, you should've finished this job an hour ago." "What are you trying to do, imitate a...

Bookshelf recommendations. (Management side of Engineering).(Plant Engineer's Handbook)
February 1, 2002... Plant Engineer's Handbook edited by R. Keith Mobley. 1189 pp, hardbound. Butterworth-Heinemann, 225 Wildwood Ave., Woburn, MA 01801-2041; phone 781-904-2500; fax 781-904-2620; bh.com. $125. Every plant engineer's bookshelf should contain at...

Protect your plant from threats. (Web Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Since Sept. 11, the threat of terrorist attacks and vandalism to manufacturing plants has been on the minds of many people. Calls for preventive action have come from government agencies and private firms that conduct training in hazardous...

Identify common chemicals in your plant. (Web Update).(U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry developed a 10-step procedure to analyze, mitigate, and prevent public health hazards resulting from terrorism involving industrial chemicals. It includes identifying potential...

Training for process plants to assess risks. (Web Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... A one-day course for plant managers in chemical process industries from PrimaTech Training Institute will help you develop and implement a stronger safety and security program. Course dates and locations are May 20, Houston; Aug. 5, Chicago;...

Building safety tips. (Web Update).(American Society of Safety Engineers)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The American Society of Safety Engineers offers a disaster safety checklist for facilities in the aftermath of a catastrophe. ASSE recognizes that this is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and says the first step is a hazard evaluation and...

New handbook available. (Web Update).(advertisement)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Here's an updated resource that every plant engineer should have near his desk. The Plant Engineer's Handbook is a completely revised edition of the Plant Engineer's Reference Book published about a decade ago. It is packed with...

Calculating motor operation cost. (Software).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Save+ Energy Savings software compares the annual operation costs different motors with different efficiencies. It estimates the annual savings far the more efficient motors in relation to the least efficient. It also calculates payback. It...

Ladder logic editor creates HMI. (Software).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... GP-PRO/PB III for Windows version 5.0 is screen development software that supports the company's products. This ladder logic editor works in conjunction with GP-PRO software to create a human machine interface (HMI) with built-in control. Users...

Web site facilitates power supply selection. (Software).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Power Supply Product Selector is an online software tool that allows users to enter power supply requirements, such as input voltage, output voltage, and current rating. Then the system lists the power supplies that fit the parameters entered....

Welding web site promotes e-commerce. (Software).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... MillerWelds.com is a web site that features online buying and lists prices for all products. The newly updated site offers the company's resources to answer questions, resolve problems, and improve productivity. These resources include online...

Software maintains audit trail. (Software).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Delta V version 5.3 software provides device audit trail information as well as automatic and ongoing documentation for FOUNDATION fieldbus devices registered in the database. The software automatically makes changes to device configuration....

ODVA introduces test software. (Information Engineering).(Open DeviceNet Vendor Association)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA) recently introduced protocol conformance test software for EtherNet/IP products. The software allows developers to test devices against the EtherNet/IP specification to pinpoint conformance-related...

Looking for a maintenance consultant? (Information Engineering).(Reliabilityweb.com Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Reliabilityweb.com, along with the ProSavvy network, is offering a free web-based service designed to empower companies of all sizes to more efficiently and effectively select professional consulting companies for computerized maintenance...

Smart meters installed in plants. (Information Engineering).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is installing real-time electricity meters in more than 3400 Los Angeles-based businesses in a move that is expected to reduce as much as 240 MW of demand. The smart meters, made by Siemens, will be...

Internet-based EAM software released. (Information Engineering).(Indus International Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Indus International, Inc., has released InSite, a pure-internet software solution. It is a hosted, component-based software that was designed specifically to be administered via the internet. The software features real-time key performance...

Engineers use CAD libraries. (Information Engineering).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Thomas Register CAD Economic Impact Study is a two-phase study about the value to engineers of using CAD part libraries. The study revealed that: * A total of 10.1 million parts are inserted into designs from CAD part libraries and...

New site targets HVAC maintenance. (Information Engineering).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Ondeo Nalco, Naperville, IL, recently launched a new web site designed exclusively for industrial facility maintenance professionals, as well as those in hospitality, commercial, and institutional areas. NDTfacilitycare.com allows users to...

Understanding intelligent motor control centers. (Motor Control).
February 1, 2002... Lately, there has been a lot of interest in the use of "intelligent" motor control centers (MCCs). But defining intelligence is not as easy as it sounds. To answer the question of intelligence, first take a look at traditional MCC technology....

2001 Maintenance Tips & Tricks Winners.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Winner of the 2001 "Maintenance Tip of the Year" is Brian Berg, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Wausau, WI. He received $1000 for his suggestion on how to filter dirty air in a work area. Runners-up were Robert Hans, Sonoco-U.S. Mills, Inc.,...

Using refrigerants. (Reference File).
February 1, 2002... Refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, in the past, has relied on chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants to operate. After evidence began mounting that CFCs were harming the earth's ozone layer, their production in the U.S. was banned...

Suggestions & Solutions.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Have a goad time PTC-20 Series multiprogrammable LED timers have four-digit, dual line displays that indicate set and time values. All models offer multiple field programmable modes for operation and time ranges. There are multiple levels...

Metal prices drop. (Cost Trends).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Basic metal prices fell sharply in 2001. For example, average wholesale prices for U.S.-made steel fell 6.5%, U.S. copper tags declined 16% and domestic aluminum prices dropped 12.6%. But have plant engineers who buy metal products seen any of...

Price/cost/demand roundup.(Illustration)
February 1, 2002... Price/cost/demand roundup AVERAGE PRODUCT PRICES (1) CHANGE, % DURING 12-MO ENDING. Industry SIC Aug 01 Nov 01 General...

How serial ports work. (How Stuff Works).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The serial port has been an integral part of most computers for more than 20 years. Serial ports provide a standard connector and protocol to let you attach devices, such as modems, to your computer. All computer operating systems in use...

Safety gloves. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The GP150 and PU50 styles are the first in a line of general purpose gloves. The GP150 style has an extra-heavy coated palm for abrasion, cut, and oil resistance, while the PU50 has a silicone-free polyurethane coating for lint-related...

Ironworker. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Ironworker Model P50 offers a list of standard features, including low-rake flat bar knives that minimize distortion, automatic urethane hold-downs on the punch strippers and bars, plate and angle shear, and split dovetail slide mountings...

Air conditioner. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Office Pro 60 portable air conditioner is designed for cooling office environments and protecting computer and telecom equipment from losing data due to heat. The product provides 60,000 Btu/h of cooling and 2000 cfm of airflow at...

Safety harness. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The ExoFit Harness incorporates state-of-the-art engineering using principles of ergonomics blended with the best technology from the worlds of industrial safety, mountaineering, scuba diving, hang gliding, and the military. Constructed in the...

Inventory software. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Mobile Inventory System manages mobile and remote stores and automatically updates the main inventory control system of an enterprise. The application enhances the "just in time inventory" technique by accounting for the MRO inventory carried...

Security door. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Designed for industrial and commercial applications, the Spiral high-speed security door for exterior doorways with moderate to heavy motorized traffic opens at five feet per second and improves traffic flow and efficiency. Its high- speed...

Low resistance ohmmeter. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Megger DLRO 10x is a portable, low resistance ohmmeter that features data storage and downloading capability. With five different operating modes, the unit can store up to 700 test results and allows pass/fail limits to be preset by the...

Industrial visor. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Magna Visor from Bausch and Lomb)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Magna Visor combines quality optics and contemporary design from Bausch & Lomb. The molded frame is padded with a removable and washable fabric for increased comfort, and the lenses are easily changed to a variety of focal lengths....

Remote control system. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Without cables or cords, the Pendant Station (PS) Controller provides safe and accurate control of overhead cranes through message security, longer battery life, and quick response time. PS Controllers -- built for heavy-duty industrial...

Enclosure alternative. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Eclipse Junior Series -- a unique junction box series -- is geared toward industrial OEM, MRO and contractor customers seeking a good-looking, highly practical, and well-priced small enclosure alternative. The enclosure features a single...

Welding helmet. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Speedglas ProTop combination hard hat, welding helmet, and auto-darkening lens system is ideal for welders in areas with overhead hazards, such as cranes, protruding beams, and moving machinery. An exclusive pivot mechanism connects the...

Hard-wired products. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(circuit protection devices)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Circuit Guard ground fault 30 amp portable and 30 amp hardwired products are available through Wiring Device-Kellems of Hubbell Inc., a manufacturer of electrical and electronic products for commercial, industrial, utility, and...

Pipe repair. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... For any operation where piping carries flammable, toxic, or corrosive products, the STOP IT pipe repair system can restore flow in minutes. The product can repair leaks in chemical plants, refineries, processing plants, and manufacturing plants...

Dynamic web sites. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(from IQTech)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... IQTech designs web sites with high-end graphics and embedded databases for self-maintenance. Customers can save on upgrade fees and IT maintenance fees with IQTech, which designs web-based software and works with the Internet, Extranet, and...

Fall protection. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Roof Edge Fall Protection Railing System is based on the counterbalance principle and uses Kee Klamp fittings. Made with galvanized schedule 40 1-1/2 in. pipes, the system does not penetrate the roof membrane and meets OSHA standards.

Commercial roofing. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Ultra Poly SMS Base Sheet is a heavyweight SBS modified base sheet with polyester reinforcement. It is used as a base or interply layer in both new and recover roof assemblies and can be mechanically attached or applied using hot asphalt or...

Self-cleaning filter. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Installed as a primary filter, the prefilter type TVM prevents larger particles from reaching the fine filter, thus reducing maintenance and downtime. The models range from 6000 to 100,000 cfm and use little floor space. Different filter...

Equipment management. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Equipment Management software solution helps reduce maintenance costs by providing an effective and proactive way to manage equipment maintenance expenses. Peregrine delivers infrastructure management solutions to manage the entire lifecycle of...

Versatile forklift. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Combilift, a multi-directional forklift/sideloader, is designed to maximize space by transporting long loads in any direction: forward, reverse, or sideways. The engine-powered, all-wheel drive system operates indoors or outdoors.

Computer cabinet. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Topview computer cabinet measures 26-in, wide by 72-in, high and features a retractable keyboard drawer. Lower storage area includes two full-width adjustable shelves to hold 1350 pounds of tools or other supplies. Included are a seven outlet,...

Maintenance software. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Version 5.1 of MPulse Ltd., MPulse Pro, and MPulse Gold are available, with all three being Java-based and open database compliant. The products contain many of the same functionality and usability enhancements.

Fluid sealing. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Designed and priced specially for sealing large-diameter steel piping and equipment, GORETEX Series 300 gasket tape installs easily and reduces expensive material scrap. The gasket tape, available in four widths and thicknesses, is resistant to...

Punch and die set. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Metric 10 TruPunch punch and die set solves millimeter/decimal conversion problems and uses a self-centering pilot to guarantee perfect alignment. Simply punch the inside hole, insert the matching pilot into the tip of the outside punch, and...

Chain hoists. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Manipulator control is available on the Mini-Cat AH Series of air-powered chain hoists and is ideal for repetitive working practices on assembly lines and workstations throughout a variety of industries. The ergonomic design enhances...

Overhead door. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Bug Blocker overhead screen door system prevents entrance by unauthorized people, insects, birds, and rodents. Built with aluminum frame and stainless steel mesh construction, the door features a track switch design that allows independent use...

Hand cleaner. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Kresto Select has the cleaning power of original Kresto, but is solvent-free and safe for the skin. The STOKOPON patented cleaning system contains canola oil, walnut shell scrubber, and Laureth-6.

Lockout solutions. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The E-Z Code line of lockout/tagout solutions helps ensure safe and effective isolation of energy sources from equipment during maintenance, repair, and setup operations. The devices are designed to lock out electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic,...

Vibration analysis. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... ASCENT is an easy-to-use, all-in-one vibration analysis tool suitable for every level of vibration analyst, from novice to expert, The vibration analysis software program provides users with automatic alarm generation capabilities, advanced...

Maintenance management. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(software and services from MicroMain Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... MS2000 Computerized Maintenance Management Solution suite includes the most comprehensive facility operations tools in the market. MicroMain Corporation is a facility operations software and services provider.

Replacement LED lamps. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Ultra-bright single/multi-chip based LED solutions are available as a replacement for incandescent-lighted pushbuttons, annuciators, relampable panel indicators, industrial motor controls, plant automation status indicators, and exit signs.

Containment unit. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Ultra-HardTop P1 Plus is the only 1-drum containment unit with a convenient roll-top cover. The all-polyethylene construction will not rust or corrode, and the forkliftable unit is lockable for added security.

Asset management. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Indus InSite solution)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Indus InSite is the first asset management solution built from the ground up as a pure Internet application. Operating on an intuitive and powerful web browser platform, Indus InSite delivers business value and accelerated ROT through a...

Patented tensioner. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The multi-jackbolt tensioner eliminates time-consuming and unsafe bolting methods. Only hand tools are required for installation and removal.

Water filtration. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Auto-Vac filter is pre-piped, pre-wired water filtration equipment that requires little labor. It filters down to 1/2 micron for use in plant or sewer discharge and is economical to run.

Gas detection. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Thermo GasTech introduces the next generation of portable gas monitors, the GT-INNOVA. The monitor includes a 20% increase in pump flow rate, auto-calibration, five combustible gas ranges, and three button operation.

Motor rebuilding. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Dreisilker Electric Motors specializes in rebuilding servo and spindle motors from the world's leading manufacturers of industrial automation equipment and provides rebuild services for a host of industries, including CNC machine tools, robots,...

Ergonomic chairs. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... BioFit Engineered Products offers 277 chair models for industrial, office, laboratory, and high-tech applications and a Ship Now! program for customers who need immediate delivery.

Humidifier. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Proper humidification at the lowest possible energy cost is the focus of the GTS humidifier, which has the broadest capacity range on the market and indoor and outdoor mounting.

Footwear. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... SuperSole 2.0 represents the latest in footwear technology, combining comfort, durability, and flexibility. Soft inner urethane midsole works in tandem with the ComfortForce footbed for support that lasts all day.

Compact vacuum. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The CFM 137 is a compact industrial vacuum with all the features of larger models. The vacuum can be used for general cleaning, as well as extraction of fine powders and toxic debris in specialized applications, and can be adapted for dry or...

Socket screw. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Brighton Best Socket Screw Mfg. is the worlds largest socket screw supplier with 25 centers in North America servicing the distribution base. The variety of socket screw products includes alloy, metric, and ferrous materials.

Window wall. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Guard-Tite windows are designed for the Guardian 275 translucent curtain-wall and have passed the testing required to meet AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S. 2-97, "Voluntary specifications for aluminum, vinyl (PVC) and wood windows and glass doors."

Boiler gaskets. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Topog-E boiler gaskets are molded from a special rubber composition to provide superior sealing in handhole and manway openings in steam boilers, water heaters and softeners, denerators, and other pressure vessels.

Wheels and casters. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Inner and outer polyamide rings, combined with a Resilex center, make the sandwich wheel a unique product. It has a shock-absorbing effect, low starting effort, and reduced noise level.

Smoking shelters. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Smoking shelters help plants comply with regulations, increase safety and security, and accommodate smoking and non-smoking staff and visitors. Prefabricated shelters offer options for lights, HYAC, and more.

Clamps. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Zinc-plated steel and stainless steel clamp styles are part of the Oetiker line. Unique design provides speed of installation, tamper resistance, and low-profile posture while maintaining a powerful, constant seal.

Signaling devices. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Federal Signal Corporation manufactures signaling devices for process control and plant-wide safety signaling and communications systems for industrial applications. Products include audible and visual status indicators, warning lights, and...

Lubricants and fluids. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Dow Corning offers the most complete line of industrial lubricants and fluids from any single supplier in the world, along with application support, technical service, and product information.

CMMS/EAM software. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(advertisement)
February 1, 2002... Web-enabled CMMS/EAM software suite, the iSeries, addresses all aspects of MRO, including collaborative work management, asset tracking and maintenance, operational accounting, and document control, Users need only a standard web browser to...

Pipe sealing cord. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Loctite 55 pipe sealing cord is an alternative to using adhesive, tape, or an O-ring for sealing the threads of pipes and fittings. The cord is a non-curing, coated, multi-filament thread that is wound directly from the dispensing package into...

Infrared thermometer. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Collecting and logging critical temperatures is easy with the high-precision MX model infrared thermometer, which was recently reduced in price.

Fittings and valves. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(from Anderson Metals Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Anderson Metals is a family owned and operated manufacturer of brass fittings, valves, and pipe nipples. The company offers same-day shipping at a 98% fill-rate on more than 6500 products made from brass forgings, rod, and castings.

Safety towels. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Simple Green safety towels are the fast, safe, and effective way to remove soils from skin and industrial surfaces. The premoistened towels are more cost efficient than shop rags, more convenient than wall-mounted dispensers, and more effective...

Lubricators. (2002 Plant Engineering Show).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Single Point Automatic lubricators are available in gas-charged and electro-mechanical driven units. The PRO is the newest addition to the Perma USA line and features 350 psi and multiple point options. Perma NET, a monitoring system, allows...