Plant Engineering articles from June 2006

Plant Engineering archives from June 2006

New online white papers tackle scheduling, network issues.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... A series of new white papers are now available at the Engineer's Resource Guide (ERG) at www.plantengineering.com focus on a variety of issues affecting the plant floor--everything from network systems to efficiencies scheduling: ...

PE poll: our May question at www.plantengineering.com:.
June 1, 2006... PE POLL: Our May question at www.plantengineering.com: "What area of your plant operation will receive the least amount of attention this summer?" Your responses: Employee training 40.4% Energy management 27.7% ...

From the archives: best practices on insulation.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Energy efficiency is a major concern today, but plant staffs have long known of the importance of energy conservation--and PLANT ENGINEERING readers have been receiving updates on energy best practices for nearly 60 years. In June 2003,...

Bosch Rexroth releases motion technology report.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Bosch Rexroth has released a new white paper titled "Safe Motion Technologies: Competitive Advantages for Early Adopters." The white paper explains how intelligent safety systems can increase machine uptime and limit liability as today's...

Proper LOTO procedures detailed in white paper.(from Brady Corp.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... The issue of lockout/tagout procedures can be overlooked without attention to detail in all areas. That's the subject of a white paper produced by Brady Corporation. Entitled, "Proper Lockout/Tagout Procedures Result in Increased Safety,...

Robert W. Campbell Awards highlight safety excellence.(QUICK Clicks)
June 1, 2006... The Robert W. Campbell Award Program Committee's call for applications for the 2006 award seeks successful business models from organizations that excel in both SH&E and business performance. Case studies must demonstrate how measurable...

Unlimited data collection does have its limits.(COMMENT)
June 1, 2006... We are overwhelmed with data--or at least that's what I read in a recent study on the topic. Our data is now portable, too. I broke down a couple of months back and got a BlackBerry, which fits in nicely with my laptop, my home laptop and...

Canon Communications to purchase National Manufacturing Week show.(FORUM)(Canon Communications L.L.C.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Canon Communications LLC announced an agreement in principle May 10 to acquire eight manufacturing-themed trade shows, including National Manufacturing Week, and one magazine from Reed Elsevier, the parent company of PLANT ENGINEERING magazine....

Chromalox survey finds optimism about manufacturing, job growth.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... A survey commissioned by industrial heat and control systems company Chromalox Inc. found plant managers were optimistic about manufacturing and employment growth in 2006 and beyond. Chromalox surveyed manufacturing engineers and engineering...

Small innovations can have big impacts.(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... An editorial and also an article in the April 2006 issue of PLANT ENGINEERING got me thinking about readily available innovations and why the rate at which some plants adopt innovation is too slow for comfort. Certain innovations are not...

Solid feedback on solid state article.(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... I found Wendell Rice's short article on "Solid-state circuits still create a buzz" in PLANT ENGINEERING just great. It is hard to find clear writing on technical subjects and Rice did a great job on a subject that still mystifies many people....

Spanning the globe at Plant Engineering.(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... I recently just stumbled on your April publication of PLANT ENGINEERING, and I was fascinated by the content. I work for an engineering contracting firm for a Chevron cooperative here in Nigeria as a maintenance employee. Recently there has...

Heating element market growing.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Manufacturing and processing applications dominated total shipments of electric heating elements in 2005, according to a recent study by Venture Development Corp. These applications accounted for the largest shipments for the most of the 28...

Robust market continues for industrial controls.(increases by 6.1%)
June 1, 2006... NEMA's Primary Industrial Controls Index increased 6.1% between the fourth quarter of 2005 and the first quarter of 2006, marking the 10th consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth in the index and its highest reading since the first quarter...

OMRON acquires STI, enters safety device market.(Scientific Technologies Inc.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... OMRON Corp. has acquired Scientific Technologies Inc. for $94 million plus net cash and working-capital adjustments. The deal, which does not include the purchase of STI's Automation Products Group, was approved by both companies' boards of...

Bosch Rexroth sees growth across the board in 2005.(FORUM)(Bosch Rexroth AG)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Bosch Rexroth AG, parent company of Hoffman Estates, IL-based Bosch Rexroth increased sales in 2005 by 12.6% to approximately $5.7 billion. The company achieved this growth in all technology fields and in all regions By creating new jobs...

Flowserve vice president Thomas Ferguson has been elected president of the Hydraulic Institute for 2006-2007.(People in the News:)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Flowserve vice president Thomas Ferguson has been elected president of the Hydraulic Institute for 2006-2007. He will also serve as a member of the board of directors. Ferguson, an industry veteran and president of Flowserve Pumps, has more...

Grainger Inc.(People in the News:)(W.W. Grainger Inc. named James Ryan)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... James Ryan has been named president of industrial distributor Grainger Inc., in one of a series of personnel moves announced by the company in May. Ryan, 47, joined Grainger in 1980 in the company's product management area. He has held...

Schneider Electric.(People in the News:)(appoints John Ross )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Schneider Electric has named John Ross as the chief executive officer for Citect, its Australian-based industrial automation software division. Ross has spent the last 18 years in various executive roles with Schneider Electric. "My key focus...

Juno Lighting Group.(People in the News:)(appoints Amelia Huntington)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Amelia Huntington has been named president and chief executive officer for lighting solutions company Juno Lighting Group. A senior executive with nearly 20 years of electrical industry and management experience, Huntington has been interim CEO...

Intergraph, Sony reach patent agreement.(FORUM)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Intergraph Corp., a global provider of spatial information management (SIM) software, announced a patent license agreement between Intergraph's intellectual property subsidiary and Sony Corp. of Japan. Under the terms of the agreement, Sony...

Germane Systems expansion integrates process, people.(HUMANSIDE)
June 1, 2006... For Marc and Kerry Green of Germane Systems, a philosophy and culture of doing the right thing for their customers, industry partners and employees has paid off handsomely. Since its founding in 1997, the company has experienced tremendous...

Take seven successful steps to align your organization.
June 1, 2006... Last month, we looked beyond the rhetorical statements about aligning an organization around goals and looked at why it is important to have a common strategy. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In summary, the actions you might consider are: ...

Carrying RCM implementation to the manufacturing floor.(Reliability Centered Maintenance)
June 1, 2006... First-class RCM project planning begins with asking and then finding the answers to the following four questions: 1. What is your end goal? 2. What resources (manpower, materials, tools, commitments) will you need? 3. How will you...

Have you changed your oil ... program? In today's plants, an effective lubrication strategy is critical to success.(2006 SYNTHETIC LUBRICATION GUIDE)(Cover story)
June 1, 2006... Like blood coursing through the veins of living beings, lubrication is what keeps a plant's capital investments operating smoothly and efficiently. At the same time, when lubrication becomes contaminated or depleted of its sustaining...

Best practices in lube storage, management.(Interview)
June 1, 2006... Managing a lubrication program is more than just finding the right oil. It also means managing that oil from delivery to storage to program management. Ted Naman, Technical Services Product Coordinator, ConocoPhillips Lubricants, Conoco Brand,...

Synthetic lubrication guide, filtration information on the Web.(www.plantengineering.com)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... PLANT ENGINEERING's exclusive guide to synthetic lubricants is newly updated for 2006 and now available for viewing and download on the Website at www.plantengineering.com. There you'll find a side-by-side comparison on the most popular...

Monitor induction motors to drive power quality.(ELECTRICALENGINEERING)
June 1, 2006... Motors are essential pieces of electrical equipment. The most common of motors in use today is the poly-phase induction motor, with more than 90% of these being squirrel cage induction motors. The poly-phase induction motor is preferred for...

Zero tolerance for counterfeiters.(Scott Electric )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Just three weeks after it filed suit to block a rival company from selling counterfeit circuit breakers, Square D has won a consent order to block the practice. On April 28, Scott Electric signed the Consent Order in U.S. District Court in...

NEMA to conduct USTDA standards programs in China.(UPDATE)(National Electrical Manufacturers Association)(United States. Trade and Development Agency)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... NEMA will organize a series of U.S.-led training and cooperation seminars for Chinese industry and government officials. It will set up the workshops and provide on-site organization for the three-year, multi-sector series of programs. ...

Control Panel Compliance Webcast.(UPDATE)
June 1, 2006... PLANT ENGINEERING magazine will present a free Webcast titled "Control Panel Compliance" on Wednesday, June 21, at 10 a.m. CDT. Learn from our panel of experts how UL 508A and NEC Article 409 interact, what your responsibilities are when...

Take the right steps to ensure proper drive belt alignment.
June 1, 2006... Misalignment is one of the most common causes of premature belt failure. Depending on its severity, misalignment can gradually reduce belt performance by increasing wear and fatigue. Or, it can destroy a belt in a matter of hours or days. ...

Honeywell's Jack Bolick: changes will transform plant operations.(UPDATE)(Honeywell Process Solutions)(Interview)
June 1, 2006... As president of Honeywell Process Solutions, Jack Bolick heads one of the leading solution providers on the plant floor. Bolick joined Honeywell in 1998 and has more than 20 years of diverse business experience with a focus on semiconductor and...

Understanding applications, uses key to solenoid valve selection.
June 1, 2006... Recent advancements in solenoid valve technology have expanded their scope of applications, while improving performance and reducing costs. To select the right valve for a given task, users should understand valve characteristics, consider...

NIST gears up to evaluate short-range 3D imaging.(National Institute of Standards and Technology)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Three-dimensional imaging devices are becoming important measuring tools in the manufacturing, construction and transportation sectors. Numerous models, capable of digitally capturing the existing conditions of objects from as small as pipe...

HVAC/R professionals say energy efficiency, building automation are key industry issues.(heating, ventilation, cooling and refrigeration)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... According to an online survey conducted at the AHR Expo, HVAC/R professionals are most interested in learning more about improving energy efficiency, building automation, and Green Building technology. More than 800 responses from 2006 show...

Temperature datalogger.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The OM-CP-TEMP1000FP is a rugged, waterproof, portable, battery powered, stand-alone high temperature recorder and is easy to use. This all-in-one compact device records up to 32,767 measurements at -40[degrees] to 150[degrees]C (-40[degrees]...

Heat exchanger.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The Series 81, Thermo-Z heat exchanger is designed to recover heat from energy consuming processes up to 1400[degrees]F. Energy can be recovered and used for process makeup air, plant or office heating, or preheated combustion air. The Thermo-Z...

Gas-tight blowers.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Kaeser Compressors' Omega G Series gas-tight rotary blowers feature double piston ring, hardened-steel gas and oil seals for reliable sealing and long service life. Seal vents may be piped back to suction or purged for single envelope, gas...

Insulation tester.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Megger insulation testers include special noise suppression for use in high voltage substations or switchyards and are line- or battery-operated for extra testing flexibility in the field. The measurement range has been expanded to 15 T[ohm] on...

Ethernet device servers.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Sixnet's new industrial serial to Ethernet device servers (Models ET-DS-1 and ET-SDS-1) connect serial-based software applications over Ethernet to remote industrial serial devices. The two models offer real-time secure performance including an...

Mechanical lift.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Presto's Lift Stick compact design distributes the load evenly over four oversized casters that roll easily over thresholds and uneven floors. Lift is achieved by a powered, continuous chain in the Lift Stik's single mast. A hand-held...

Oil absorbing pads.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Oil Eater absorbent pads are designed to provide a safer and cleaner workplace. The family of products includes oil only pads and rolls, universal pads and rolls, industrial rugs, absorbent socks and drum top pads. All are available in a...

Universal mount assembly.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... A new mounting assembly for a shaft, tube, or pipe that features a hinged collar and rigid stand-off bases offered in six different heights. It features a hinged collar that opens for easily installing or adjusting a shaft, tube, or pipe and is...

Steam system software.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Spirax Sarco's HVAC Solution Steam Program Version 3.2. is created for engineers, designers and contractors to design and model HVAC steam systems using intelligent objects. HVAC Solution Steam is a Windows-based drag-and-drop program. The...

Electro-pneumatic transducer.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Converts milliamp input signals to a switch-selectable proportional pneumatic output signal for lower pneumatic supply consumption and reduced operating costs. The i2P-100 combines all ATEX and IECEx approvals onto one nameplate, enabling users...

LED lamps.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The LED lamp assemblies are designed for retrofitting and replacing traditional incandescent lamps. They can meet specific color and brightness levels. The LED solution works with the existing flashing circuitry to signal impending train...

Portable data collector.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The compact portable data terminal has self-contained data collection and storage for inventory and information control. Weighing less than 5 oz, it includes a laser scanner, 8-line adjustable-font LCD display, alpha numeric keypad, and 2MB of...

Pressure sensor.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Engineers and system integrators can now safely measure the differential pressure of hydrogen and other gases while reducing the number of components necessary. The Model 5000 does not contain internal O-rings or fluid-filled cavities,...

Crane & Hoist inspection.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The Mainman Crane & Hoist inspection is a multi-point visual inspection of overhead lifting equipment. Inspection results alert customers of maintenance problems and points out areas that are not in compliance to OSHA standards. The results are...

Product catalog.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The Banner Engineering 2006-2007 machine safety products catalog has more than 300 full-color pages of their comprehensive line of safety products. This edition of the safety catalog incorporates the same enhancements made to the recently...

CAD software.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... I-View CAD is a software application that converts piping isometrics to either a MicroStation DGN or AutoCAD DWG 3D model file format. Users do not need extensive knowledge of AutoCAD or MicroStation to produce 3D piping models with I-View CAD....

Level transmitter.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The MT5200 is designed for level measurement in bulk solids applications. A concentric waveguide directs the radar beam, alleviating divergence problems and echoes in tanks with narrow openings. Unaffected by dust or feed flow the MT5200...

Cutting fluids.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Rustlick biostable semi-synthetic cutting fluids enable manufacturing plants to consolidate to one universal fluid. They are available in a non-chlorinated version--Ultracut 370R - or a chlorinated version--Ultracut 375R. The versatility of the...

Inspection camera.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The IMPACT A-10 and the IMPACT Software Suite delivers advanced inspection capabilities in a vision sensor profile. The IMPACT Software Suite's modules allow for quick setup, storage and viewing of captured images through the entire...

Test terminal blocks.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Weidmuller's test terminal blocks provide companies in the process industry the ability to bring "common" circuits together to perform measurement and testing for quick failure detection. The WTR terminals feature screw connection technology...

Plastic repelletizers.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... Precision AirConvey introduces its 21-model line of plastic repelletizers. They enable plastic film processors to capture edge trim, roll scrap and other film waste, convert it to pellets and reintroduce it into the extrusion process in a...

Controller.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The 1ZC DIN rail-type temperature/process controller is designed for precise control of a single control loop with two independent outputs configurable as direct-acting, reverse-acting or alarm. A bidirectional RS-485 serial communications...

Germicidal lamp.(NEW PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... The Eliminator 14/24 Series are germicidal lamp and ballast for surface and air purification. The 14-inch lamp operates on 24-volts from inside the air conditioning unit to purify the air conditioning coil, and air stream, reducing the...

New filtration technology keeps cooling tower water clean.(FILTRATION TRENDS)
June 1, 2006... 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] Orival filters...

Demonstration CD-ROM.(Literature Guide)
June 1, 2006... Free CD-ROM describes the application of the company's software. The CD contains slide show and demonstrations for software used to draw and evaluate piping systems and design and re-rate pressure vessels and oil storage tanks. Tele:...

Vaisala HUMICAP[R] Hand-held Humidity & Temperature Meter HM70.(Literature Guide)
June 1, 2006... The Vaisala HUMICAP[R] Hand-held Humidity and Temperature Meter HM70 is ideal for spot-checking humidity in demanding applications. It provides accurate, reliable humidity measurement with long-term stability. Depending on the probe, the HM70...

Compressed air products.(Literature Guide)
June 1, 2006... Reduce air usage and noise levels in your blowing and drying applications with WindJet[R] Low Flow Air Knives and Accessories. Request Bulletin 575 for complete features and specifications. 1-800-95-SPRAY, www.spray.com Spraying Systems Co...

OSHA summer focus is on teen job safety.(WASHINGTON)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... As millions of American teens begin their summer jobs, OSHA is focusing on keeping these vulnerable workers safe and healthy. While teen workers earn extra money and gain valuable work experience, the risk of a serious or even fatal injury is...

OSHA notifies 14,000 sites about high injury rates.(WASHINGTON)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Approximately 14,000 employers were notified by OSHA in April that injury and illness rates at their worksites are higher than average and that assistance is available to help them fix safety and health hazards. In a letter to those...

Long OSHA rulemaking process gives everyone a voice.(A VIEW FROM WASHINGTON)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
June 1, 2006... Last time, I wrote about the standards-writing process in OSHA. This article will pick up the discussion where I left off, with the proposed rule published and OSHA staff ready for comments on their work. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Connecticut offering DG grants.(IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Even with two new transmission lines now under construction, Connecticut is seeing electricity demand approaching its supply limits, so the state has begun a program to encourage onsite generation. Grants of $450 per kW generated--or $500 per...

Miami-Dade gas stations now need generators.(gas shortages)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Gas station owners across Miami-Dade County, Fla., are now required to equip their stations with backup generation, to help prevent the gas shortages that plagued the region after last year's Hurricane Wilma. The storm knocked out electricity...

NERC files ERO applications in the United States and Canada.(North American Electric Reliability Council, Electric Reliability Organization)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... On April 4, North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) filed its application to become the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in compliance with the final FERC rules...

Transmission projects spark opposition.(electric power transmission)
June 1, 2006... Electric transmission capacity continues to be a problem in several areas of the United States as summer's peak-demand period approaches. Though several large-scale projects are getting underway, transmission operators still are fighting for...

The industry's only pre-integrated power system.
June 1, 2006... Whether your goal is load management, peak shaving, power reliability, emergency backup or distributed generation, PowerCommand power systems will speed installation and commissioning and ensure reliable performance. That's The Power of...

PowerCommand transfer and control technology.
June 1, 2006... PowerCommand transfer switches, digital paralleling equipment and controls are the brains behind our pre-integrated power system. Through the use of microprocessor-based controls and powerful software, PowerCommand systems readily parallel with...

Free emissions white paper available.
June 1, 2006... Read our white paper titled "Current and Near-Term EPA Emissions Regulations for Diesel and Spark-Ignited Engine Generator Sets." This paper outlines both the interim and post-January 1, 2007, NSPS requirements as they apply to engines used in...

GSA contracts.
June 1, 2006... Cummins Power Generation equipment and Onan brand generators can be purchased through our GSA contract #GS-07F-9004D. This provides GSA purchasers with pre-negotiated pricing, plus our one-of-a-kind on-site training programs can certify your...

Waste-to-energy plant to take a tire-d approach.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Toms River, N.J., will be the site of the first tires-to-ethanol plant, scheduled to go online in 2007, according to facility developers. The plant will bring together two technologies--one that produces a gas product called "plasma converted...

Fuel cell market powering up.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... The fuel cell market is expected to reach more than $18.6 billion by 2013, and could hit almost $35 billion by that time, according to a new report. Residential and small stationary applications are the latest target for manufacturers,...

Rising fuel costs sparking nuclear reaction.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Nuclear power, a technology long thought dead in this country, is gaining renewed interest from electric utilities and regulators as a way to address both rising fuel costs and plant emissions concerns. Utilities have announced plans to build...

New approach could bring superconductors to more applications.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Researchers using nanotechnology have demonstrated a way to maintain high-temperature superconducting capabilities even in the presence of applied magnetic fields, such as those present in motors, generators and other equipment. Scientists say...

Utility researching microgrid interconnections.(American Electric Power Company Inc.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... New power-electronics control technology will be part of a microgrid installation to be studied at a research facility owned by Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power (AEP), beginning this summer. The utility, along with scientists from...

Cheaper fuel cells.(University of North Carolina's proton-exchange membranes )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new material for proton-exchange membranes in PEM fuel cells. PEMs are used in fuel cells to allow protons to pass through from one electrode to the other. At the...

NECA releases new standard, standards yearbook.(National Electrical Contractors Association)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... The National Electrical Contractors Assn. (NECA) has released NECA 410-2005, "Standard for Installing and Maintaining Liquid-Filled Transformers," which covers, among other subjects, special procedures to be used during adverse operating...

Getting the most from monitoring.
June 1, 2006... Power monitoring systems are valuable for reducing energy costs and identifying power problems--but only useful if they're actually used Power-monitoring systems can be valuable tools for reducing energy costs and identifying power problems...

UPS: standby power for egress lighting: this is the second part of a yearlong series that will cover the basic power quality, engineering and code issues involved in designing and specifying uninterruptible power supply systems.
June 1, 2006... In the first part of this series (Spring 06, p. 20), I introduced the basics of UPS technology. This second installment gets more specific, covering lighting inverters used in commercial buildings for egress lighting. [ILLUSTRATION...

Solving an old grounding problem: many power quality problems that result from lightning can be traced to electrical grounding, but now there's a new solution.
June 1, 2006... There's an age-old problem in electrical grounding. During the more than 15 years that I have been actively involved in equipment protection, over and over again, I have heard clients air their many concerns, frustrations and problems regarding...