Plant Engineering articles from March 2006

Plant Engineering archives from March 2006

PE poll.
March 1, 2006... Our February question at www.plantengineering.com: "As we begin 2006, how would you assess the state of manufacturing?" Your responses: Maintenance issues 31.6% Technical issues 26.3% Personal issues 22.8% Corner-office...

Donaldson-Torit White Paper now on line.(QUICK Clicks)
March 1, 2006... Unclear about the choices in dust collection technology? Cleaner air comes easily if you understand how cartridge dust collectors have evolved and what still separates the very different technologies available. Go to the Research section on the...

Watlow debuts China Website.(QUICK Clicks)(Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co. introduced website services)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Watlow recently unveiled its new web site for the Chinese market. The new site, located at www.watlow.cn, contains Watlow's product and industry information in Mandarin. Some Watlow literature in Mandarin is available for download on the new...

Manufacturing report online.(QUICK Clicks)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Quarterly Economic Forecast is now available at www.mapi.net shows a slowing of the U.S. economy during the next two years, but predicts a solid performance from the manufacturing sector. Inflation-adjusted...

Re-engineering the White Sox.(inventory management)(Column)
March 1, 2006... Welcome back for National Manufacturing Week here in the home of the defending World Series champion Chicago White Sox. When the White Sox won the World Series in October (a sentence that still brings a smile to my face) the city of Chicago...

It's show(s) time! Four major events in two weeks offer knowledge and innovations.
March 1, 2006... March comes in like a lion--and goes out with four major trade events in the final two weeks of the month. Each offers an overview of the latest technologies for general manufacturing as well as specific market segments, and each offers a...

Achieve knock-your-socks-off project performance in 7 steps.(Column)
March 1, 2006... It's sad but true: Most projects are not completed on time and on budget. Lackluster project performance is about many things--unclear goals, under funding, low technical skill--but first and foremost, it's about lack of leadership. Here are...

Specialty machine builders: a view from the supplier.(AUTOMATIONCONNECTION)(Column)
March 1, 2006... I call it the Growth Mode Effect. Companies small and large are getting into financial trouble, ultimately filing for bankruptcy. As a supplier of automation equipment, specialty machine builders are some of our most important customers and at...

Calculating availability to develop preventative maintenance plan.(plant management)(Column)
March 1, 2006... Our view is that the maintenance organization should be treated as a Profit Center for your company. This view derives from our belief that the overwhelming financial aspects of a maintenance optimization strategy are driven by considerations...

10 tips on maximizing heater performance.(Column)
March 1, 2006... Most plant engineers don't give much thought to the heaters operating within their processes and applications--unless those heaters fail, need maintenance or cause other problems. Heaters play an integral role in many applications, so heater...

The future of manufacturing: driving innovation in the 'new world'.(Cover story)
March 1, 2006... "To keep America competitive, one commitment is necessary above all: We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity. Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hardworking, ambitious people, and we...

Solid-state circuits still create a buzz.(ELECTRICALENGINEERING)
March 1, 2006... In the beginning, there were tubes, in which a stream of electrons flowing through the near-vacuum space inside was controlled by voltage charges on metal plates and grids. Then there were solid state circuits. Many of us grew up with those...

Understanding long-term insulation efficiency.(MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT of thermal insulation)(ex-Baldor chairman Roland S. Boreham dies)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers offers professional development seminars)
March 1, 2006... The task of thermal insulation is to provide reliable and long-term thermal resistance despite potential harsh environmental and service conditions. Reliable and long-term insulation efficiency is a prerequisite to safe and economical plant...

Engineers play critical role in software implementation and selection.(automation engineering)(Column)
March 1, 2006... Software is often seen as a quick fix for any problem. It can also be the problem. Lack of foresight in installation can lead to confusion and failure. Selecting the wrong tool for the job will make the new process worse than the one that was...

Keeping an eye on alignment.(mechanical engineering)(Column)
March 1, 2006... Ten times more? That number represents a flexible coupling's capability for misalignment compared to the tolerance of rotating equipment. That means system alignment should be based first on the minimum requirements of the driven equipment or...

Air compressors.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Sullair Corp.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... A new series of air compressors from Sullair is designed for point-of-use facility installations. The Sullair 3000 is a 40-hp model; the Sullair 3700 is 50 hp; and the Sullair 4500 is 60 hp. They are designed to make service and routine...

Weather monitor.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Omega Engineering Inc.'s iBTHX)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The iBTHX transmitter monitors and records barometric pressure, temperature, relative humidity and dew point over an Ethernet network or the Internet using a Web browser. No special software is required. The iBTHX serves active Web pages to...

Component drives.(NEW PRODUCTS)(ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd. introduces food processing machinery)
March 1, 2006... The ACS150 component drive line from ABB features innovations that don't require specialized drive knowledge. Offered in a 0.5 hp to 5.0 hp range and operating in V/Hz mode, the user interface incorporates the same logic as that found in...

Multimeters.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Extech Instruments Corp.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The 500 series of industrial multimeters is ruggedly designed and waterproof to IP67 standards, making them ideal for use in the outdoors or in a harsh industrial environment. The 500 Series has a double molded housing and is drop-proof up to...

IR cameras.(NEW PRODUCTS)(FLIR Systems Inc. introduces infrared cameras )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... FLIR Systems has introduced three new infrared imaging models. The InfraCAM features a large, easy-to-read 3.5-inch LCD screen to highlight even the smallest of issues to be accurately located and displayed. A lightweight, long-life lithium-ion...

AC motors.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Siemens Energy and Automation Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Siemens Energy & Automation has introduced three new lines of ac motors designed to meet or exceed NEMA standards. Offered in aluminum and cast iron frame configurations, these motors include high-efficiency and industry-leading NEMA Premium...

Pushbuttons.(NEW PRODUCTS)(AutomationDirect provides information regarding its diffusers)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Certain 22-mm metal pushbuttons without contact blocks are available. Momentary flush and extended operators are available in red, green or black. These pushbuttons have 30-mm actuators and mount in a 22-mm hole. Each pushbutton includes the...

Mass flowmeters.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Universal Flow Monitors Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... FlowStream OFM series of mass flowmeters has been improved for fast and accurate measurement of non-aggressive gases. The meters are designed for blanketing gas, purge gas, shielding gas, leak detection and other applications in industrial,...

Orival, Inc.(Product Mart Showcase)(Orival provides information regarding its water filters)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... 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...

AllMax Software.(Product Mart Showcase)(AllMax Software provides information regarding its business management software)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Antero[TM] CMMS helps improve productivity, eliminate unnecessary costs and streamline processes. * Build preventive maintenance schedules, monitor tasks, and generate corrective and scheduled work orders. * Track costs, equipment,...

Easy Arm[TM].(Product Mart Showcase)
March 1, 2006... Our award-winning G-Force[TM] lifting technology is now available in an ergonomic articulating jib design. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * 150# lifting capacity * Standard spans of 6', 8' & 10' * Perfect for work cells with low...

Antares EPM Systems LLC.(Product Mart Showcase)
March 1, 2006... The SPMS is the first Project Management System designed from the ground up to support small projects executed by Plant Engineering staff. The SPMS can improve small project on-time/on-budget performance and increase the effective use of...

Model 777-KW-/HP Power Monitor.(Product Mart Showcase)
March 1, 2006... The Model 777-KW/HP Power Monitor, a voltage, underpower and electronic overload relay in one, provides the best protection for any motor. It is ideal for protecting magdrive pumps; low horsepower pumps and motors; metering pumps; mixers and...

System-K[TM] slabs without rebar.(Product Mart Showcase)
March 1, 2006... System-K[TM] is an improved cement system combining the advantages of Type-K Shrinkage-Compensating Cement with advanced fiber reinforcement technology. Eliminate rebars, saw cutting, curling, and joint filling from your slabs with...

Flowmeters for circulating lube oil.(Product Mart Showcase)
March 1, 2006... * Reliable monitoring of flows from .1 (one-tenth) to 160 GPM [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Alarm switches for protecting machinery * Local flow indication for troubleshooting * Transmitter for remote flow reading *...

Microprocessor based, portable, universal circular chart Superecorder[TM] Ctxl series.(Product Mart Showcase)
March 1, 2006... The CTXL SUPERECORDER[TM] is available in computer room white or charcoal gray in ranges of -17 to 49[degrees]C (2 to 120[degrees]F) and 2 to 98% RH. It powers from 4 "D" cell batteries or a universal AC adaptor with 203 mm (8") Chart for 1, 7,...

Small 2 X 4-inch magnet lifts 300 pounds!(Product Mart Showcase)
March 1, 2006... 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]...

You know you need clean dry air.(Product Mart Showcase)
March 1, 2006... And so does Airtek, that's why we manufacture the best compressed air dryers on the market today. Airtek refrigerated dryers give you the dew point guarantee of 33[degrees]F to 39[degrees]F. With sizes from 10 to 20,000 scfm Airtek has the...

Webb-Stiles Company.(Product Mart Showcase)
March 1, 2006... WEBB-STILES COMPANY Manufacturers of Engineered Conveyors CHAIN DRIVEN LIVE ROLLER [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Webb-Stiles has a complete line of Heavy-Duty Engineered Chain Driven Live Roller Conveyor. From 1.9" to roll sizes...

Innovation is the key to economic strength.(industrial research)(Column)
March 1, 2006... The real key to America's economic strength has always been creativity and innovation. Since this country's founding, Americans have been eager to embrace new concepts and capitalize on them. We've developed ingenious new systems for production...