Plant Engineering articles from March 2002

Plant Engineering archives from March 2002

When to use steam tracing. (Online Exclusive).
March 1, 2002... Much has been written about the advantages of steam or electricity for tracing applications, and a valid case can be made for either technology. The choice has generally been based on strictly economic considerations, which represent only part...

Subscribe to PlantMail! (Special Delivery).
March 1, 2002... Sign up today to receive PlantMail!, the electronic newsletter written especially for plant engineers. Delivered directly to your e-mailbox twice each month, PlantMail! keeps plant engineering and maintenance professionals up to date with...

Give us your two cents worth. (Editorial Quality Audit).
March 1, 2002... You can help ensure that PLANT ENGINEERING continues to provide the kind of problem-solving information that helps you do your job better. Go to plantengineering.com and click on "Editorial Quality Audit." You'll find details of the program and...

PE channels.
March 1, 2002... * Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration * Compressors and Prime Movers * Computers and Software * Construction and Buildings * Electrical Power Distribution and Application * Environmental * Fire...

Reader Forum.
March 1, 2002... Auto body filler works better than paint I very much enjoy your magazine and always read the Simple Solutions article. I noticed a reader submitted an article about sealing electrical enclosures. While the idea is basically a good one, it...

What went right? (Editorial).(Brief Article)(Editorial)
March 1, 2002... Thirty-four years ago, when Playboy magazine was in its heyday, I had the opportunity to spend a day with one of Playboy's marketing managers. We toured the impressive headquarters and had lunch at the Playboy Club in the next block. It was a...

Simple Solutions.
March 1, 2002... Belt check on the run Problem: Belts should periodically be inspected. However, many times the equipment can't be shut down or your schedule keeps you away when the equipment is not running. How can belts be inspected while the equipment...

Human Side of Engineering.(solutions to various human resource management dilemmas)(Column)
March 1, 2002... Lost tools: Must employee pay? The plant was well protected, and there was a guard at the gate. Maintenance Mechanic Grade II Bill Cullen couldn't remember the last time a theft had occurred. So, as he did every day, he went out to lunch...

New rules emerging in manufacturing. (Management Side of Engineering).
March 1, 2002... EDITOR'S NOTE: This column begins a series of columns based on the book, Future Capable Company: What Manufacturing Leaders Need To Do Today To Succeed Tomorrow, by Dr. Tompkins. These excerpts are provided through special arrangement with the...

Power monitor software supports load shedding. (Software).(RSPower32 v2.0)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... RSPower32 Version 2.0 is a Microsoft Windows-based program that supports Allen-Bradley power monitors by managing configurations and displaying real-time and historical data stored within the power monitors. It provides a view of a plant's...

Program simplifies fuse selection. (Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Select-A-Fuse 3.3 is an updated Microsoft Windows-based fuse selection software tool. Available as a free download from the company's web site, the program enable electrical professionals to choose the appropriate overcurrent protection for...

Report generator includes scheduler. (Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... XLReporter is a reporting system that automatically manages workbooks, creates worksheets, performs data collection, and finalizes timely report generation. Completed reports are automatically sent to the local drive, remote drive, printer, or...

Thermal imager captures in real time. (Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... MikroSpec RT is thermal imaging, storing, and analysis software that allows for remote camera operation, image capture, image analysis, and report generation in real time. Developed for Microsoft Windows platforms, the software uses open...

Software controls valves remotely. (Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... SoftTools Suite Version 5.0 is a digital positioner management software family available in three editions. SoftTools LE is for remote operation, configuration, and device management; SoftTools SE includes diagnostics, signature tests, data...

EAM/ERP integration. (Information Engineering).(enterprise resource planning)(Column)
March 1, 2002... Most top-tier EAM/CMMS vendors offer integration products, services, and tool kits that link their products to ERP packages and other business systems. These interface solutions play a prominent role in their marketing literature, web sites,...

How to buys lift truck. (Material Handling/Lift Trucks).
March 1, 2002... Like any other type of complex industrial equipment, lift trucks can present a real challenge when it comes time to replace an existing unit or add a new one. With the seemingly endless number of models and options available, it can be a...

Analyzing and quantifying the effects of electric power quality. (Electrical Power/Power Quality/Motors).
March 1, 2002... With the increased use of electronic switching devices in modern manufacturing facilities, there is a need to introduce new industrial standards for electrical system power quality. These new standards should establish requirements to exceed...

Vehicle exhaust removal system utilizes high temperature hose: Emissions problem needed special flex hose to handle 1,200[degrees]F temperatures. (Case History Corner).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Vehicle exhaust gases are a danger in every fleet maintenance shop. Whether the vehicles are material handling equipment like fork lifts, over-the-road bulk material carriers, off-road monsters like road graders and dump trucks, fire trucks,...

Innovative compressed air solutions. (Compressors).
March 1, 2002... As the cost of energy continues to rise, so does the cost of operating a compressed air system. Floor space in plants has become increasingly expensive as well. Cost pressures like these force plant managers to identify and employ innovative...

Suggestions & solutions.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... You'll get a belt out of this Belt Preventive Maintenance manual has recommendations for safe work practices and tips on the selection and care of synchronous belt drive systems. The 48-p, illustrated manual provides user information...

Pillow block suited for air handlers. (Product Intros).(from SKF USA Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Air Handling Ball Bearing Unit has a 360-degree contact, concentric locking collar that reduces noise, vibration, and fretting corrosion. This provides long bearing life and permits the use of commercial grade shafting. A built-in torque...

Burner has low emission levels. (Product Intros).(Envirojet ultra-low NOx burner from Peabody Engineering)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Envirojet ultra-low NOx burner meets today's demanding emission requirements while maximizing operating efficiency. Features include: low emission levels without the extra equipment common to RFG systems, no complex combustion controls, reduced...

Leak standard is calibrated. (Product Intros).(from Vacuum Technology Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... RSC Rl34a refrigerant Leak standard is calibrated with NIST-Traceable calibration and is used with sniffer-type leak detectors. The lifetime supply of Rl34a will not require adjustment or refilling. It features a permeation-type leak element...

GasProbe has five functions. (Product Intros).(from BW Technologies Ltd.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... GasProbe is five instruments in one: combustion gas analyzer, gas appliance tester, ambient air monitor, draft indicator, and temperature thermometer. The unit provides real-time readings of [O.sub.2] CO, [CO.sub.2], CO/[CO.sub.2] ratio, and...

Soft start compressors. (Product Intros).(MCI-C motor starter from Danfoss Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... MCI-C is a motor starter specifically built for the HVACR industry to give fast and reliable starts while reducing compressor current up to 40%. The damaging effects of surges and high starting torque are eliminated, even without pressure...

Air filter fits in diffuser. (Product Intros).(Breathe Easy air filtering system)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Breathe Easy air filtering system clips under supply diffusers, onto a T-bar, in less than a minute and filters air entering or leaving a room. The filter is made of multidensity Dacron fiber treated with an antimicrobial chemical, virtually...

Steam traps handle high flows. (Product Intros).(TLV Corp. offers traps for heating or process applications)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... JL9X and JLH9X series 2-in. float and thermostatic traps are for high-capacity process or heating equipment applications up to 40,000 1b/hr and 450 psig. These durable traps are inline repairable to provide maintenance savings. Excellent...

Pumps have extended life. (Product Intros).(Sterling Fluid Systems Inc. offers process pumps)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Peerless 8196 Performer Series ANSI process pumps have a vapor blocking isolator that protects bearings from contamination, the main reason for power end failure. Other features include: an enlarged oil sump, stuffing boxes that meet the latest...

Pump handles high-pressure service. (Product Intros).(Goulds Pumps offers multistage pump)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Model 3355 is a multistage pump designed for flows up to 1500 gpm and heads up to 1640 ft. Standard operating pressures are up to 800 psig. Design simplicity makes the pump ideal for users concerned with performance and life cycle costs....

Air dryer comes as complete package. (Product Intros).(General Pneumatics offers heatless dessicant compressed air dryer)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Optima LX Series heatless desiccant compressed air dryer is a complete package with Outstanding features such as a maintenance-free shuttle valve, high-efficiency coalescing prefilter, and particulate removal afterfilter. The optional -100 F...

Purifiers deliver breathable air. (Product Intros).(Deltech offers DelMonox Breathing Air Purifiers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... DelMonox Breathing Air Purifiers have a range from 8 to 920 scfm and remove particulates, oil, moisture, tastes, odors, and carbon monoxide from untreated compressed air. Deltech deltech-flair.com Write 381 on PE card

Bag catches leaks. (Product Intros).(New Pig Corp. offers Pig Pipe Leak Diverter)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Pig Pipe Leak Diverter is a flexible, hanging vinyl funnel designed to divert pipe leaks to containers or floor drains. The bag's heavy, 18-oz., coated vinyl construction enables it to capture up to 7 gal. of water. New Pig Corp. ...

Labeling tool for installers. (Product Intros).(Brady Worldwide Inc. offers thermal transfer labeling tool)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... ID PAL is an affordable, professional-quality thermal transfer labeling tool that is useful in a variety of applications including labels for any smooth/flat, curved (including wire and cable), textured, or highly textured surfaces. The...

Point eliminates static sling. (Product Intros).(Ionizing Point from Exair Corp.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Ionizing Point delivers a high concentration of positive and negative ions to neutralize static electricity. The device incorporates a stainless steel emitter that removes a static charge when mounted within several inches of the charged...

Water sampler is portable. (Product Intros).(Waters Equipment Co.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Portable Sampler can be conveniently used to monitor any point within the steam and water cycle of a boiler room or power plant. Mounted on a rugged hand truck, the unit can be taken to any location within a plant to monitor the condition of a...

Software views piping in 3D. (Product Intros).
March 1, 2002... I-View is a 3D pipe visualization tool capable of handling single or multiple pipes from any 3D plant design system supporting ISOGEN. Even piping files from different systems can be viewed as a single model. This module provides I-Sketch users...

Pallet truck has combination pump operation. (Product Intros).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Deluxe Series pallet truck offers enhanced standard features and optional dual handle and foot operation. The dual handle and foot controls offer quick and safe lifting of a variety of cumbersome items. The foot control makes the truck ideal...

Small door fits tight spaces. (Product Intros).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Supercompact high-speed door takes interior doorway access to the next level. The door also makes rapid room access beneficial for foot traffic, push carts, pallet jacks, and light forklifts. Dynaco USA, Inc. dynacodoor.com Write...

Data acquisition. (Product Intros).
March 1, 2002... OMR Series module is an intelligent data acquisition and control device designed for data acquisition systems based on PCs and other process based equipment with standard RS-232 serial I/O ports. The modules communicate using two-wire RS-485...

Conveyor prices hang tough. (Cost Trends).
March 1, 2002... Price declines among manufacturers of factory equipment and tools are relatively rare. The prevailing maxim appears to be: he who keeps prices stable during a downturn will reap the upturn's margin windfall needed to stay profitable over the...

How computer viruses work. (Marshall Brain's HowStuffWorks).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Adapted from HowStuffWorks.com Computer viruses are called viruses because they share some of the traits of biological viruses. A computer virus passes from computer to computer like a biological virus passes from person to person. A...