Plant Engineering articles from May 2009

Plant Engineering archives from May 2009

Finding the right recipe for convergence.
May 1, 2009... By Dennis Brandl, BL&R Consulting Development of industrial standards is not a rapid process. A standard committee will work for years to develop an industry-wide consensus on a new standard. Two committees now are actively working...

Many industries benefit from wireless technology.
May 1, 2009... By Jim Ralston, ProSoft Technology Tangible benefits of using wireless technology include cost reduction, more reliable control/processing systems and improved worker productivity. Wireless technologies may be used to build a plant-wide...

Recipe management requires a pinch of organization.(Recipe)
May 1, 2009... By Andy Stump, Rockwell Automation It takes a step-by-step process -- and sound management -- to achieve success Whether it is neatly organizing recipe cards in a home or integrating an ERP system to an automated plant floor, recipe...

Special treatment.
May 1, 2009... Staff Orlando uses automation systems to improve wastewater operations The residents of Orlando and nearby Florida communities are more likely to see lightning strike than to have their toilets run dry. Extensive high-tech upgrades at...

Getting a feel for robotics capabilities.
May 1, 2009... By Jack Smith, Editor Tactile feedback enables greater force control, expands possible applications Robots have improved productivity in manufacturing for decades. While motion control concepts have not changed significantly,...

The effective 'manufacturing' of water.(Editorial)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... By Jack Smith, Editor We don't think of water that something we manufacture. Water is something that's always there -- coming out of our taps, providing beauty through magnificent fountains, or simply covering two-thirds of the Earth ...

Why HMIs are everywhere.(Editorial)
May 1, 2009... By Jeanine Katzel Improved plant operations are often right at your fingertips The near ubiquitous spread of HMIs throughout industry is due to the fact that they help companies make better business decisions by delivering, managing,...

Ethernet ports.
May 1, 2009... Staff The new ILC 170 ETH 2TX controller features two Ethernet ports, allowing easier networking for small applications. The ILC 170 is the latest addition to the ILC 1xx series of small, programmable controllers from Phoenix Contact. ...

Fuse holders.
May 1, 2009... Staff Omega's new CE compliant ASK series of DIN rail mounted fuse holders provide circuit protection for any industrial control system at a reasonable price. Two standard fuse styles are supported: 14x51 mm (ASK 6) and 10x38 mm (ASK 4)....

Time for some fundamentally good ideas.
May 1, 2009... Bob Vavra, Editor Juggler and comedian Michael Davis used to start his act by taking a single red rubber ball and tossing it straight up and down in his hand. It wasn't much of a trick, but that was the idea. "I do one thing," Davis would...

Electrical rules of the road.
May 1, 2009... By Bob Lang Understand, implement NEC standards on overcurrent protection The National Electrical Code definition of overcurrent includes short-circuit, ground-fault, and overload situations, with overcurrent protection typically being...

Another PPE for arc flash safety: Adopt proven protective exposure.
May 1, 2009... By Garrett Potvin, Hoffman Product Manager Arc flash hazards have become an increasingly prominent concern as technology enhancements incorporate smaller, higher voltage equipment placed within confined areas. The dangerous result of an...

Specifiers guide.
May 1, 2009... Staff Hoffman's new Specifier's Guide, Volume 22 is a free, comprehensive resource for Hoffman's 11,000-plus products and accessories, and technical information. Changes in this 22nd volume include: Chapters reorganized by type of material...

Fuses.
May 1, 2009... Staff Cooper Bussmann's expanded Low-Peak CUBEFuse line includes a non-indicating Low-Peak CUBEFuse available from 1A through 100A and an indicating version available from 6A to 100A. Both offer a high 300kA interrupting rating with a...

A brighter approach to energy savings.
May 1, 2009... Staff Lighting upgrade delivers lower cost, rapid ROI The trend today among plant engineers is clear: Corporate social and financial responsibility is a mandate. Companies are looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce their carbon...

Network monitoring technologies on the plant floor.
May 1, 2009... By Michael Frayne, Molex Inc. As manufacturers continuously seek new ways to improve industrial network up-time on the plant floor, new innovative monitoring devices and diagnostics tools are being made available to meet this goal. In...

Manufacturing Summit looks to the future.(Company overview)
May 1, 2009... Staff Attendees were informed, charmed in Charleston at Plant Engineering's annual conference Surrounded by the history of the Old South, the 2009 Plant Engineering Manufacturing Summit tackled the future. The two-day event in...

Lean maintenance offers savings, eliminates non-value activities.
May 1, 2009... By Terry Wireman, Vesta Partners, LLC When the word "Lean" is mentioned, what thoughts are typically brought to mind? Is it to be able to do more with less? Downsizing? Cost reductions? If so, then the true meaning of "Lean" is missed. ...

Fluke acquires Hawk IR.
May 1, 2009... Staff Fluke Corporation has acquired Hawk IR International Ltd. of North Yorkshire, UK. Company officials said in a press release, "The acquisition represents a significant global opportunity for Hawk IR International. "We are...

Locking pliers.
May 1, 2009... Staff Stanley Proto's new line of locking pliers includes 48 individual SKUs in a variety of designs. The new Proto models uses a jaw-locking mechanism to create a hands-free vise grip. Added features allow the user to quickly and easily...

Ending excessive welding cell sensor consumption.
May 1, 2009... By Dave Bird, Balluff, Inc. In weld cells across the country a wide variety of sensors from a variety of manufacturers are used to indicate clamping position, parts presence (nesting), and feature validation in different welding scenarios...

Condensate filter.
May 1, 2009... Staff The Kaeser Condensate Filter is designed to remove oil and other contaminants, making the water safe for disposal. Now available in five sizes, the KCF is designed to handle most compressor lubricants. These models are lightweight,...

Tooth clutchers.
May 1, 2009... Staff Nexen 5H Series tooth clutches deliver fast, no-slip engagement for washdown applications where high torque is required. The enclosed tooth clutches provide positive torque transmission and feature a nickel-plated exterior and rotary...

Ultrasound pinpoints compressed air leaks.
May 1, 2009... By Alan S. Bandes, UE Systems, Inc. For more than 30 years, ultrasound technology has been the preferred diagnostic technology of maintenance departments throughout the world due to its simplicity and reliability as well as its ability to...