Plant Engineering articles from July 2005

Plant Engineering archives from July 2005

The three overlooked words.(General Motors Corp. to cut down jobs)
July 1, 2005... The headlines blared in the June 8 newspapers around the country--GM to slash 25,000 jobs. The story went was that General Motors, which hemorrhaged money to the tune of $1.1 billion in losses in the first quarter of 2005, would eliminate...

To streamline efficiency and improve ROI, the water department created a think tank.(AN ADVERTISEMENT)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2005... How the Cleveland water department tapped Rockwell Automation to raise efficiency levels. It's easy to turn on a faucet and take fresh water for granted. Delivering safe water to more than 1.5 million people a day can be an uphill battle....

Review tank designs first.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2005... I read PLANT ENGINEERING every month. There is always good information. However, as I read the May 2005 Solutions tip titled "Changing hoses and fittings" I was alarmed. Though your "Safety First..." disclaimer does generically cover most...

Manufacturer's alliance/MAPI report: growth slows, but some sectors stay strong in 1Q.(FORUM NEWS)(Industry Overview)
July 1, 2005... The quarterly Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI report on the health of the manufacturing sector offered a mixed bag of news for the first quarter of 2005. While it sees slowing growth in the sector over the next two years, only four of 27 industries...

Watch extruded copper and fabricated plate work sectors.(Forum)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Plant engineers who buy operating materials and supplies already know how quick budgets can be hit by inflationary trends. In the 12-month period ending April 2005, 17 of 19 industries in our operating supplies index pushed prices higher. Only...

Price/cost/demand roundup.(prices of industrial equipment)(Illustration)
July 1, 2005... Price/cost/demand roundup Operating materials & supplies AVERAGE PRODUCT DIRECT MANUFACTURING PRICES (1) % COSTS (2) AND MARGINS CHANGE DURING GRADE ...

Plant Engineering named co-sponsor of safety award.(Forum)
July 1, 2005... PLANT ENGINEERING magazine has been selected as one of the Outreach Collaborators for the international Robert W. Campbell Award, which honors companies that successfully integrate safety, health and environmental management principles into...

Pickard named Fluke Industrial president.(Carl Pickard)(Fluke Corp.)(appointments)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Carl Pickard has been named President of the Industrial Division of Fluke Corporation, the world's leading supplier of handheld test and measurement equipment. Pickard will be responsible for Fluke's industrial businesses including digital...

ISA to honor six at Expo.(Forum)
July 1, 2005... As part of an ongoing effort to spearhead technical advances that set the standard for automation, ISA will honor six industry leaders for achievements in science and research at its 2005 Honors and Awards gala held in conjunction with ISA EXPO...

Ingersoll-Rand marks 100th anniversary.(Ingersoll-Rand Company Ltd celebrates successful merger)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Ingersoll-Rand marked on June 1 the 100-year anniversary of the merger of Ingersoll-Sergeant Drill Company and Rand Drill Company, which formed Ingersoll-Rand. "Among business mergers of the past century, the combination of the predecessor...

Seminar focuses on compressed air efficiency.(Compressed Air Challenge)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... A one-day seminar on compressed air offered insights on ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs throughout the compressed air process. The Compressed Air Challenge (CAC), ComED, Atlas Copco, and the Department of Energy...

Bentley acquires Optram.(Bentley Systems Inc)(Optram Inc)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Bentley Systems has acquired Optram, Inc., a Massachusetts-based supplier of software for railway track maintenance. Optram's users are some of the largest freight and passenger operators in the world, including AMTRAK, CSX, New Jersey Transit,...

CAGI offers "SmartSite" learning center.(Forum)(Compressed Air and Gas Institute)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI) activated its "SmartSite," on-line center for learning and technical information. A key feature of SmartSite is its E-Learning courseware. Titled Introduction to Compressed Air Systems, this...

Honeywell acquires InterCorr.(Honeywell Process Solutions Ltd.)(InterCorr International Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Honeywell announced June 15 it will acquire Houston-based InterCorr International, Inc., which specializes in corrosion monitoring instrumentation, testing and consulting services and predictive software and corrosion research. Terms of the...

In office dating, first determine if there's a conflict.(Human side)
July 1, 2005... When two employees in the same department date each other it is often a source of concern to management. More so than ever when the romantic couple are a supervisor and subordinate. It is thus not surprising that some companies establish...

Are you really an equal opportunity employer?(Human side)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Maintenance Supervisor Harry Conrad checked the department roster carefully. Then he checked it again before making his final decision. Three candidates for promotion had been in contention for the promotion: Jerry Cochran, Ned Washington, and...

Wage progression: merit vs. length of service.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The contract was coming up for renewal and, once again, not surprisingly, disagreement was rife. The workforce was pushing hard for automatic increases based on length of service. The company was holding fast for earnings boosts tied to merit...

Age discrimination: keep a wary eye peeled.(Human side)
July 1, 2005... Maintenance Department Welder Grade II Joel Shaine was riproaring mad. Second time in a row he had been bypassed for a wage progression. Shaine told himself it was because of his age. He had turned 62 three weeks before. "Your age has...

Exit dud, enter trouble.(Employment terminations )
July 1, 2005... It can happen. It almost did happen in an Ohio plant that prefers to be unnamed. Maintenance Foreman Clark Griffen rued the day four years ago that he had hired Ernie Koch. Koch barely managed to hang on to his misdesignated classification of...

If a customer harasses an employee: are you obligated to take action?(Human side)
July 1, 2005... It happened in a New Jersey manufacturing plant. Maintenance Clerk Marion Belgrave was an attractive married woman in her late thirties. Her desk was one of several located in a large office. Customers frequently visited the plant to...

"No work today!" How much notice required?(Human side)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... A major plant beautification program had been started three days before. Several shrubs and trees had been ordered from Columbine Nursery with this project in mind. Two extra utility employees had been called in on the swing shift to do the...

What happens when sick leave and vacation overlap?(Human side)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Sick leave and vacation leave are two entirely separate entitlements. But what's an employee to do if, at the time she is due for vacation leave, she finds herself on sick leave? That's the question maintenance department Supply Room Attendant...

Jumpstart your energy management program.(Management side)
July 1, 2005... We have all been tasked with the effort to efficiently manage our facilities including the use and costs of utilities while effectively providing for the needs of our facilities. The term "facilities management" has been around for some time,...

Dreaming of the future: as manufacturing faces a skilled labor shortage, the Dream It. Do It. campaign seeks to attract the next generation of workers.
July 1, 2005... Ray Connor is the future of manufacturing. Eight years ago, his final interview to be among the first employees at Kansas City's new Harley Davidson assembly plant coincided with his honeymoon. He called back to tell Harley he'd postpone the...

Integrated design produces big savings for small HVAC.(HVAC)
July 1, 2005... KEY CONCEPTS * Small HVAC systems often use more energy than needed. * Integrated building systems can reduce the costs of heating and cooling. * Where the HVAC unit is placed on the roof also plays a role in energy efficiency....

Improve cost estimating accuracy.(Construction)(Project cost estimation)
July 1, 2005... KEY CONCEPTS * Accuracy of project estimates is often misunderstood. * Standard procedures for estimating should be established. * Meaning of estimates should be carefully explained. ********** How many times have you used...

Basics of power transmission chain.(Power Transmission/Maintenance)
July 1, 2005... KEY CONCEPTS * Power transmission chain is competitive with belts and gears. * Chain is suitable for long-term, continuous service. * Chain lubrication is essential to maintain performance. ********** A chain is a reliable...

Sensor/actuator junction boxes.(Instruments & Controls: Products)
July 1, 2005... Series 757 sensor/actuator junction boxes are new IP 67/68 rated additions to a related family of I/O products. The junction boxes safely extend control cabinet functions into the field and on machines and processes. The boxes are available...

Temperature transmitter.(Istruments & Controls: Products)
July 1, 2005... PRTXD series two-wire transmitters provide a 4-20-mA signal that represents temperature. The units include a 3 1/2-digit display, front-panel calibration test feature, an RTD sensor and a NEMA 4X (IP66) housing, which protects the electronics....

IR electrical inspections behind closed doors.(Istruments & Controls: Products)
July 1, 2005... Viewport is a UL-approved device that allows closed door IR inspections of electrical panels. Matched with a Spy-Glass fisheye lens, it allows an inspector to scan a panel by looking through a single small port. Thermal scans are accurate...

Flexible flowmeter.(Istruments & Controls: Products)
July 1, 2005... The ST75 Series Mass Flowmeter offers a simple and reliable solution to measure flow at a low cost. The flowmeter measures and monitors gas flows in line sizes from 1/4 to 2 inches (6 to 51 mm) with a single instrument and provides three unique...

AS-Interface rotary encoders.(Istruments & Controls: Products)
July 1, 2005... BVS58/BVM58 series AS-Interface absolute rotary encoders are available in single turn with 13-bit resolution or multiturn with 16-bit resolution versions. Both offer IP65 protection, and are available with a servo flange and 6 mm shaft, or...

MIG welding guide.(Tools and Welding: Literature)
July 1, 2005... A free MIG Welding Buyer's Guide helps make purchasing an all-in-one MIG welding power source easy. The guide answers frequently asked questions and includes a detailed description of a full line of all-in-one MIG welders, explaining how their...

Abrasive products for metals.(Tools and Welding: Literature)
July 1, 2005... A free Specialty Products CD describes a full line of products for cutting, grinding and finishing metals ranging from aluminum to stainless steels and exotic metals. Featuring product descriptions, photographs and specifications, this CD...

All purpose adhesive and sealant.(Tools and Welding: Products)
July 1, 2005... POWERSTICK is an all-purpose, high tack polymer that offers strong adhesive properties with reliable moisture- and solvent-resistance. It can be used on concrete, masonry, tile, wood, metal, plastic and polystyrene foam board. Adhesive...

Clamp for structural tubing.(Tools and Welding: Products)
July 1, 2005... BoxBolt expansion bolts feature an expansion anchor and provides simple, safe and secure connections to square, rectangular, circular and other types of structural steel tube sections where access is restricted to one side. They install easily...

Capture contaminants magnetically.(Power transmission: Products)
July 1, 2005... Magnom, a patented and unique magnetic filter, efficiently removes ferrous and some non-ferrous contaminants as small as 1 [micro]m. It is designed to not incur a significant pressure drop and can be introduced in current fluid systems without...

Digital pressure valve.(Power transmission: Products)
July 1, 2005... Digital Interface valves, with microprocessor-based and a CANopen fieldbus, are ideal for pressure control and pressure limiting applications. This valve replaces analog technology and offers configurable functions that enable users to define...

Shaft seal handles misalignment.(Power transmission: Products)
July 1, 2005... Articulated Air Mizer-PS has the ability to handle extreme shaft misalignment and deflection, common in dry powder and bulk process applications, to provide a seal that traditional devices cannot attain. A major innovation includes a unique...

Linear motion components.(Power transmission: Products)
July 1, 2005... Specialized linear components consist of guideways for special machines, modified standard guideways, and replacement guideways for obsolete machines. Examples include but are not limited to: V-guides, double V-guides, guide racks, prismatic...

Intelligent energy management.(Electrical: Products)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2005... ION 7550 RTU option converts the ION 7550 energy meter into a highly effective solution for combined metering of utilities such as water, air, gas, electricity and steam. Using multiple I/O points and Modbus Master support, the meter inputs...

Lock-out relays.(Electrical: Products)
July 1, 2005... Lock-Out Relays protect critical electrical equipment in utilities and plants. Models include manual-, electric-, or self-reset types. Manual reset types are reset by the operator moving the handle back to normal and have nominal trip speeds...

The Model 460 Voltage Monitor.(Product Mart Showcase)
July 1, 2005... The Model 460 Three Phase Voltage Monitor combines unsurpassed motor protection and control with finger-safe wiring, DIN rail compatibility, and LED fault indication. It can be connected directly to the three phase lines without fuses,...

Motor circuit analysis tools.(Product Mart Showcase)
July 1, 2005... ALL-TEST Pro is a leading producer of instrumentation for predictive maintenance testing and trouble shooting of electric motors, coils, windings and transformers. The hand-held ALL-TEST PRO[TM] 31 is an ideal troubleshooting tool. The AT31 is...

Stealth introduces small quiet fanless computers that fit in the palm of your hand--a breakthrough in micro computing.(Product Mart Showcase)
July 1, 2005... Stealth Computer Corporation a leading ISO 9001 manufacturer of specialized computers and peripherals have continued their tradition of providing small form, powerful, PC based solutions to a growing marketplace. Stealth has introduced their...

Tekleen[R] stainless steel filters.(Product Mart Showcase)
July 1, 2005... Tekleen are high quality low cost stainless steel filters at carbon steel prices. Sizes from 1"-24", up to 12,000 gpm, filtration 3,000[mu]-5[mu] and from only 2 gallons per rinse. Automatic Filters, Inc,-Tekleen, Los Angeles, CA USA (800) 336...

New Browning[R].(Product Mart Showcase)
July 1, 2005... New Browning[R] TorqTaper Plus helical shaft mount reducer from Emerson Power Transmission. The shaft mount is available in sizes 107 to 608. Available ratios are 5, 9, 15, 25, and 35:1. This new line incorporates two patented features--a...

Orival, Inc.(Product Mart Showcase)
July 1, 2005... Providing automatic self-cleaning filtration systems for removal of suspended solids from water is more than a job for Orival--it's a way of life. Orival's network of application specialists will provide expert solutions tailored to your...

Small 2 X 4-inch magnet lifts 300 pounds!(Product Mart Showcase)
July 1, 2005... Eriez' new RPL Series of Rare Earth Lifting Magnets offer incredible lifting power in a small package. The RPL 3, smallest in the line, measures only 2-1/2" X 3-1/2", weighs just 7 lbs yet has a 300 pound lifting capacity! RPL SafeHold[R]...