Plant Engineering articles from June 2003

Plant Engineering archives from June 2003

Reader feedback.(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2003... Proper use of lifting eyes On page 46 of the May issue is a table with max loading capacities, depending on the angle of the lift. My question is regarding the third row of the table, stating the decrease of the capacity for a 3/8-in,...

Is a wave of price cuts coming? (Forum).
June 1, 2003... Producers of factory equipment and tools are doing a mixed job of navigating troubled economic waters. Three industries (lift trucks, transformers, and motors) received a failing F margin grade in March 2003. Seven industries earned troubling D...

Employment paradox. (Comment).(Editorial)
June 1, 2003... In late April, the National Association of Manufacturers released the results of an important study, Keeping America Competitive: How a Talent Shortage Threatens US. Manufacturing. If you have been watching this column over the past few...

Shift cancellation: what is management's obligation? (Human Side).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The weather looked threatening on the one hand. On the other, business was slower than usual. Plant Engineer Murray Kreissman paid Maintenance Supervisor Tim Hanley a visit. "What do you think, Tim? Can we get by without a second...

Exit interview: can it be a valuable tool?
June 1, 2003... It takes only one rotten cucumber to contaminate a whole barrel. That is doubly true if the bad cuke happens to be a supervisor. Plant Engineer Fred Foster was becoming increasingly concerned over the number of voluntary quits in the...

Is your email policy clearcut? (Human Side).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Ben Kinsey, in pitching his boss for a wage increase, griped that Bob Dunlap, no more deserving than him, earned almost 10% more. "How does Ben know Bob Dunlap's salary?" Maintenance Manager Pete Kramer demanded of Foreman Joe Haber. ...

Too busy on union business for promotion? (Human Side).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Ah, the trials and tribulations of a hard-working union official, groused Grade Two Mechanic Mel Klinger. Klinger was a union vice president. Hard-working, sure, his boss, Charley Adamac conceded. But hardworking at what? Klinger busted a gut...

Promotion up for grabs. (Human Side).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... It was the break Maintenance Mechanic Harry Rich had been awaiting for. When Instrument Repairman Phil Felder opted for early retirement, Rich felt that as senior man he was next in line for the job. He lost no time in bidding for it, along...

Can you delegate supervisory work to line employees? (Human Side).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... When Assistant Maintenance Foreman Lionel Luftwig informed his boss that he had decided to accept a better job offer, Foreman Peter Gilman's first thought was to talk him out of it if he could. He couldn't. His second thought was to replace...

Makeup time for missed time. (Human Side).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... When the weather turned bad, Maintenance Foreman Glen Rosen found himself hurting for manpower. Some employees took pride in showing up whatever conditions prevailed. But when roads were icy or a snowstorm threatened, many stayed home. How...

Alleged sexual harassment. (Human Side).
June 1, 2003... Maintenance Department Office Assistant Amy Cardwell, 22, was a single, shy, pretty redhead. A religious woman, she was pegged as something of a prude by some of her coworkers, men and women alike. This didn't prevent Mechanic First Class Frank...

Must senior employee be offered overtime? (Human Side).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... When Maintenance Foreman Jeb Bogle came around Friday afternoon in search of recruits to work overtime the next day, Senior Mechanic Mark Fristrom turned him down, as did two junior mechanics. An hour later Bogle decided to try again. This...

Can employee turn down a job he feels endangers his health? (Human Side).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... When Maintenance Foreman George Rosof assigned Utility Worker Joel Drimmer the department's odious task of cleaning the sludge tanks, Drimmer's immediate response was, "No way! That job is a killer. I got sick as a dog last time I did it." ...

Automatic machine: do you need a skilled operator? (Human Side).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... When a late model high-pressure boiler was installed in the plant, Maintenance Supervisor Chris Daly selected Matt Michelson to be in charge of its operation. Minutes later, Utility Man Bill Lehman showed up at his desk. "What's the...

Reliability program: how to sell, implement, and sustain one. (Management Side).
June 1, 2003... This article is the second of a two-part series. It is based on a paper originally presented at the Process Plant Reliability, 8th international Conference and Exhibition. Selecting the right staff will make or break a reliability program....

Spec a belt. Wash it down.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... PAC Flex Systems, Inc., Colorado recently completed one of the largest automated conveyor projects in its 26-year history. The application required a wide variety of packaging systems, with conveyors varying in length from 10 to 200 feet....

How to be a champion for tagless assets in your plant. (Info Engineering).
June 1, 2003... Our company has been involved in numerous deployments where first-time mobile CMMS implementations were embraced by upper management and enthusiastically adopted by end users as well, because of the work of an internal champion that promoted...

PLCs vs. PCs for industrial control. (Technology: Instruments & Controls).(Programmable controllers vs. microcomputers)
June 1, 2003... Key Concepts * The PLC has become greater than the sum of its card slots. * The line between PLCs and industrial computers running control software is becoming blurred. * PACs combine the best parts of the PLC with the best parts...

Insulation improves economic returns. (Technology: Fluid Handling).(related article: Best Practices Steam)
June 1, 2003... Key Concepts * Insulation should be used on all surfaces hotter than 120 F. * Insulation thickness determines its effectiveness. * insulation can reduce fuel consumption by up to 13%. If purchased fuel is the "currency" of an...

Mold remediation: a practical approach. (Technology: HVAC/Environmental).(related article:Suggested engineering controls)
June 1, 2003... Key Concepts * Mold requires water, food, and a stable environment. * Mold remediation regulations do not exist, only guidelines do. * Selection of a contractor should be done as if choosing a doctor or an attorney. Excessive...

Plant floor coatings review. (Technology: Facilities).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Key Concepts * Surface preparation is as important as the coating. * There is a coating for every need. The types and variations of floor coatings for industrial use today are bewildering. Even if you're a knowledgeable chemist,...

Clutches and brakes. (Reference File).
June 1, 2003... Key Concepts * Types * Selection Clutches and brakes couple, decouple, accelerate, and decelerate rotating machine components and maintain them at proper speed. The functions of each are so similar that their rolls are often...

Plunger pump. (Products: Fluid Handling).
June 1, 2003... Model 1540, mid-size, plunger pump is rated at 18 gpm and 1200 psi. It is designed for continuous-duty applications. The compact footprint and moderate weight make it ideal for cart mounts as well as stationary installations. High-strength TNM...

Complete baseplates. (Products: Fluid Handling).
June 1, 2003... Pump/motor baseplates and guards are designed to facilitate easy pump and motor installation. Available in sizes 56 through 326 NEMA motor frames, these units are available in vertical and horizontal configurations and feature heavy-gauge...

Modular process analyzer. (Products: Fluid Handling).
June 1, 2003... The unique design of the Modular Process Components (MPG) system is that it consists of a layer of fluid control components, valves and filters, mounted on a substrate layer containing special channel and flow components. This design results in...

New filtration technology keeps cooling tower water clean. (Filtration Trends).
June 1, 2003... www.orival.com 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. Orival filters are...

Turbine insertion flowmeters. (Products: Fluid Handling).
June 1, 2003... A line of inexpensive, clamp-on, insertion flowmeters is designed as an alternative to plastic, paddle-wheel type flowmeters. The units offer rugged stainless steel construction and long-life, hybrid ceramic ball bearings. The flowmeters can be...

Pump pressurizes container. (Products: Fluid Handling).
June 1, 2003... GoatThroat precision hand pumps are a safe and inexpensive way to transfer more than 600 liquids and chemicals. They are constructed of nonreactive polypropylene with all wetted parts made from food grade material. They fit any container from 5...

Liquid cart. (Products: Fluid Handling).
June 1, 2003... Fluid Caddy model LDC-1 transports 30-gal, transparent, polyethylene drums from work area to work area for easy fluid level monitoring. The unit features a battery-powered pump with meter, which can be reset. A spill containment frame has a...

No-thread tank seal. (Products: Fluid Handling).
June 1, 2003... Pipe-to-tank seal (grommet) provides a tight, positive mechanical seal without using adhesives, hardware, or threads. The seal is ideal for use with PVC, galvanized steel, copper, EMT, rigid conduit, fiberglass, and polyethylene pipe. The...

Smart pump control. (Products: Fluid Handling).
June 1, 2003... Pump Smart 200 Version 2.1 provides expanded simplification and functionality. The number of parameters needed to set up and start has been reduced to 7 for a single pump pressure control application. This model allows a user to start up to 3...

Seal fragile pipe flanges. (Literature).
June 1, 2003... A white paper, "Successfully Sealing Fragile Pipe Flanges," is available free. It covers a variety of topics including the various requirements that must be met for a gasket to do its job properly. Also available is a review of appropriate...

Energy Chain Systems. (Literature).
June 1, 2003... Energy Chain Systems catalog is 688-pp full of design and engineering data, application examples, and everything else needed to successfully specify a cable carrier system; from 500-ft-long travels to travels of just a few inches. igus,...

Design and simulation software. (Products: Software & Computers).
June 1, 2003... Automation Studio V4.0 is a circuit design, simulation, and project documentation software package that supports hydraulics, mobile hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical controls, PLC controls, fluid power, and automation applications. By dragging...

Critical parts identification. (Products: Software & Computers).
June 1, 2003... EPIC is computer cataloging software that allows users to digitally map plant equipment and specific critical parts within that equipment. Users also can catalog part photos, detail data, warranty information, CAD drawings, schematics, and...

Data transport software. (Products: Software & Computers).
June 1, 2003... I/Gear data transport software offers a platform for the integration of a wide range of manufacturing systems and devices. The software provides simple and inexpensive connectivity among many types of PLCs, HMI software, enterprise software,...

Arc flash safety online. (Products: Software & Computers).
June 1, 2003... Arc Flash Calculator is an online program that can be accessed by connecting to Bussmann.com, selecting "Electrical Safety" from the navigation bar on the left, and choosing "Arc Flash Calculator." The calculator is based on the IEEE 1584...

Ethernet communications. (Products: Software & Computers).
June 1, 2003... SNMP-OPC Gateway software suite consists of two software products with specific capabilities and applications -- FL SNMP OPC server and agent. The server software connects OPC-based HMI/SCADA solutions to intelligent Ethernet devices. SNMP data...

Process control and distributed I/O. (Products: Software & Computers).
June 1, 2003... Net Concentrator System (NCS) is a process control and distributed 110 concentrator system that offers 20-bit measurement resolution and signal conditioning capability. The system features a DIN rail-mount metal enclosure, channel-to-channel...

Clean up with Ultraflex[R].
June 1, 2003... Ultraflex[R] ducting cleans up air, fumes, dust, sawdust and more. Utraflex provides superior flexibility and exceptional performance. Ultraflex products resist flex fatigue and stand up to weather, chemicals, abrasion and ozone. ...

Safety and instrumentation. (Safety: News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Moore Industries has launched a dedicated section of its web site (miinet.com/approvals) to provide an overview of product certification and safety-related instrumentation issues for process control instrumentation. The site includes a link to...

Lockout procedures. (Safety: Services).
June 1, 2003... Brady Identification Services Group provides professional graphical lockout procedures development and installation to quickly implement an OSHA-compliant program. Engineers assess and analyze equipment lockout needs, develop graphical lockout...

Safety light curtain. (Safety: Products).
June 1, 2003... The latest version of the C 4000 series safety light curtain is a self-contained, noncontact, control-reliable, machine safeguarding device that combines high resolution with small size and increased functionality. Units feature a small profile...

Cooling headband. (Safety: Products).
June 1, 2003... Icy Blue Ones contain cooling crystals that provide up to 24 hr of heat relief. Bandanna ties around neck or forehead, and headband wraps around brow with hook-and-loop fasteners. Products are soaked in cool water for 20 minutes and then worn...

Fire suppression. (Safety: Products).
June 1, 2003... Aero-K fire suppression aerosol generators are highly effective extinguishing agents that are nontoxic, noncorrosive, and virtually maintenance-free. Aerosol suspends in air and vents easily after discharge. Installation does not require...

3-wheel ac electric lift truck. (Material Handling: Products).
June 1, 2003... The new 7-Series line of 3-wheel electric lift trucks boasts ac power for both drive and lift motors. The result is 45% more power than predecessors and substantial cost savings from improved efficiency and productivity as well as reduced...

Leveler with added safety features. (Material Handling: Products).
June 1, 2003... The aFX Dockleveler includes airDefense stump out elimination system that also protects against free-fall in the event of premature trailer separation. Trailers with air-ride suspension can lower 3 to 8 in. during loading. Stump out occurs when...

Hydraulic stacker. (Material Handling: Products).
June 1, 2003... Battery-powered hydraulic stackers will lift 2000 lb up to 130 in. Stacker can be used while battery is recharging and controls prevent overcharging. High-rigidity mast features double chain lift support and a heavy-duty pump. Standard features...

Screw-driven vertical lift. (Material Handling: Products).
June 1, 2003... Screw-driven vertical conveyor features a self-locking drive design that eliminates the risk of freefall due to power outages or drive failure. Carriage sizes range from 3 ft by 3 ft to 6 ft by 6 ft; capacities range from 1000 lb to 6000 lb....

Trailer stand. (Material Handling: Products).
June 1, 2003... Auto Riser trailer stand prevents spotted trailers from tipping due to landing gear collapse. Load capacity is 100,000 lb. Gas-activated leveling system adjusts height from 42 in. to 52.5in. Large base prevents sinking on hot asphalt. Large...

LP fuel gauge. (Material Handling: Products).
June 1, 2003... EK-4100 low-fuel warning system indicates when tanks on LP-fueled lift trucks are low on fuel. System operates with a low-pressure switch installed in the liquid fuel line, before the lockout valve, using a brass tee fitting. When pressure...

Pallet-free storage system. (Material Handling: Products).
June 1, 2003... UniversALL Flo slip sheet storage system also accommodates wooden and plastic pallets. System combines a speed-controlled wide roller flow bed with a unique exit zone that activates a lowering mechanism allowing platens of forks easy access...

Mold remediation. (HVAC: Training).
June 1, 2003... A 3-day symposium on mold remediation, sponsored by ACGIH, will be held November 3-5 in Orlando, FL. The objective is to provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge and for sharing organizational perspectives. The symposium will consist of...

Air balancing. (HVAC: Training).
June 1, 2003... Intensive 5-day course on testing, adjusting, and balancing will be held September 15-19 at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. You will learn to balance air and water systems, adjust systems to provide design quantities, verify equipment and...

Fresh air recovery. (HVAC: Products).
June 1, 2003... FAX line of recovery ventilation air conditioners comes in two versions: the Passive Energy Ventilators (ERVs) and Compressor Assisted Heat Recovery Ventilators (CA-ERVs). The latter are available as straight AC or heat pumps and can save as...

Light hose. (HVAC: Products).
June 1, 2003... UFD.020 urethane hose is reinforced with a wire helix and provides twice the abrasion-resistance as a 2-ply neoprene hose with 1/2 the weight. The hose comes in sizes from 2 to 12-in. ID, clear or black, and can handle temperatures from 65 F to...

Vertical fan. (HVAC: Products).
June 1, 2003... An 8-ft, vertical, enclosed fan can now be used when high-volume/low-speed fans cannot be installed on the ceiling because of obstructions or when a moveable fan is desired to provide a comfortable environment. The vertical fan pivots to direct...

Oil mist filters. (HVAC: Products).
June 1, 2003... NOM filters are designed to capture and control oil mist. A unique filtration method incorporates advanced filter media providing high filtration efficiency with low overall cost of operation. The filter draws contaminated air into a lower...

Clean dusty air. (HVAC: Products).
June 1, 2003... Vibraclean series of compact dust collectors capture and filter the nuisance dust created by manufacturing operations and recirculate clean air. Typically installed outdoors, the unit uses an eccentric-driven, motorized shaker to rejuvenate the...

Cool cabinets. (HVAC: Products).
June 1, 2003... The 1000 Btu/hr Cabinet Cooler is a low-cost way to eliminate electronic control downtime due to high temperatures, dirt, and moisture. Compressed air use is only 15 scfm, about 1/2 of other coolers. A thermostat control minimizes air usage and...

IR thermometer. (Instruments & Controls: Products).
June 1, 2003... Model IR201 is a small, lightweight noncontact infrared (IR) thermometer with laser pointer. The thermometer measures surface temperatures from -58 to 518 F with 1-deg resolution. The narrow field of view measures a 1-in, target at a distance...

Dial indicators. (Instruments & Controls: Products).
June 1, 2003... Dial indicators are available for differential pressure measurement, flow rate and liquid level. Instruments feature a rupture-proof bellows; dial sizes of 3-in., 31/2-in., 41/2-in, and 6-in.; NEMA 4/IP65 rating; and pulsation damping. The...

BACnet controllers. (Instruments & Controls: Products).
June 1, 2003... Continuum is a product line of native BACnet controllers and front-end workstation software. BACnet is a data communication protocol and an ISO standard for building automation and control networks developed under the auspices of ASHRAE. The...

Directory of information sources. (Instruments & Controls: Literature).
June 1, 2003... The Book of Books Update is a handbook that includes a comprehensive selection of scientific and technical books, CD-ROMs, videos, and software. Categories include aviation and aeronautical engineering, biology, biomedical engineering, chemical...

Internet connection: visit the following company Web sites.(Advertisement)
June 1, 2003... For more information on how to advertise in PLANT ENGINEERING'S Internet Connection, call Jim Langhenry at 630-288-8789 aearo.com Aearo is an ISO certified supplier of AOSafety brand eye, face, head, and respiratory protection, EAR...

Compact double level angled terminal blacks. (Product Mart Showcase).
June 1, 2003... The compact STTBS 2.5 double level terminal block with angled wire entrance from Phoenix Contact enhances the ST-DESK spring cage family. With two levels and a width of only 5.2 mm, the STTBS 2.5 terminal block is the solution when control...

Interroll provides lightweight stainless steel belt drive for food applications. (Product Mart Showcase).
June 1, 2003... Interroll Corporation, a leading manufacturer of conveyor components, now provides a high-power, lightweight stainless steel belt drive specifically designed for food applications. Originally a 50-pound motorized roller, the new version weighs...

New Swagelok[R] modular platform components. (Product Mart Showcase).
June 1, 2003... New Swagelok modular platform components, together with new configurator software, make it easy to develop and assemble complete process analyzer and sample-handling systems using an ANSI/ISA 76.00.02-compliant miniature modular design. Thanks...

Reliability.iQ. (Product Mart Showcase).
June 1, 2003... Reliability.iQ. from HSB Reliability Systems Group (www.HSBRS.com) offers real-time reliability data with this real world CMMS/EAM. Reliability.iQ surpasses "Web-enabled" software and harnesses the power of the Internet. Clients easily access...

Compact wastewater disposal system reduces waste volume, saves costs. (Product Mart Showcase).
June 1, 2003... The Model UF-250T Ultrafiltration System employs 1/2 inch tubular membrane technology for high-solids waste in oily applications. A 180 gallon process tank and a 50 gallon cleaning tank are integrated in one convenient unit to process 250 --...

Motor Plugs allow quick motor change-outs. (Product Mart Showcase).
June 1, 2003... The world's only UL switch rated Motor Plugs reduce downtime by allowing quick motor change-outs and they lower costs because there is no need to purchase expensive interlocks or disconnects. Motor Plugs allow users to safely make and break...

The Model 460 Voltage Monitor. (Product Mart Showcase).
June 1, 2003... The Model 460 Three Phase Voltage Monitor combines unsurpassed motor protection and control with fingersafe wiring, DIN rail compatibility, and LED fault indication. It can be connected directly to the three phase lines without fuses,...

Air amplifiers. (Product Mart Showcase).
June 1, 2003... A full line of Maximator(R) air amplifiers to boost insufficient shop air or increase supply air pressure is available from MAXPRO Technologies. These compact, point-of-use amplifiers offer air pressures up to 4,600 psi, in single or double...

Sandy tubing. (Solutions).(Contributor: Ralph Bauer, JM Originals, Ellenville, NY. )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... * Problem: Running a copper fuel line in close quarters is awkward, especially when you have to make bends and the line kinks. Is there a way to make kinkless bends easily? * Solution: Fill the copper tube with sand, tape bath ends closed,...

Tape in tight spots. (Solutions).(Contributor: David Thompson, Maintenance Supervisor, Marion Steel Co., Marion, OH. )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... * Problem: A piece of equipment goes down because insulation has rubbed off an electrical wire and caused a short. The wire is in a tight spot and you don't want to take the equipment apart right now. Is there a way to temporarily make a...

Move heavy loads. (Solutions).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... * Problem: Many times large motors must have their couplings replaced or repaired. The motors are usually located in inaccessible spots. How can the motor be easily moved for repairs? * Solution: Lift one end of the motor with a pry bar and...