Plant Engineering articles from November 2006

Plant Engineering archives from November 2006

Ready or not, Intelligent Safety Networks have arrived.
November 1, 2006... By Ed Nabrotzky, Woodhead Industries, Inc. Intelligent Safety Network technology is proven, tested and here today. New technical advances in automation hardware and software, as well as revised safety standards are driving implementation of...

Developing community rapport opens a door to the future.
November 1, 2006... By Bob Vavra, Editor A recent study from the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis has put a number on the value of research and development as a driver for economic growth. It seems that R&D is contributing about 7% of the...

What problem does this product solve?(Product development )
November 1, 2006... By Bob Vavra The art of listening to plant floor end users gets the science of R&D started The most powerful tool in research and development isn't a computer or a machine or a tool. It's the ear. 'We talk to customers all the...

ISA free download offer a highlight in Houston.(Instrument Society of America)
November 1, 2006... By Bob Vavra ISA 2006 at the Reliant Center in Houston broke some new ground for many of the exhibitors - and broke some new ground for the host. ISA announced a new member benefit that will make more than 2,500 technical papers and...

WINA joins Automation Federation.(Wireless Industrial Networking Alliance)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Automation Federation announced recently that the Wireless Industrial Networking Alliance will join the umbrella organization as a charter member. WINA is a coalition of industrial end-user companies, technology...

It"s on the Vista: Business, process systems aligning.(Windows Vista operating system)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Bob Vavra In a discussion of its new system, representatives of ICONICS and ARC Advisory Group talked about the emergence of manufacturing execution and manufacturing intelligence systems as a bridge between the plant floor and the...

APC, PLANT ENGINEERING host Roundtable at PowerGen.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The issue of power quality inside and outside of a plant floor will be the topic of discussion as American Power Conversion and PLANT ENGINEERING magazine sponsor a Roundtable discussion at the annual PowerGen show. The event will...

Automated maintenance systems are no substitute for experience.(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... By Staff Regarding a recent article on automated condition monitoring systems and general interest in that type of technology, I thought that you might be interested in a recent experience of mine. My father is in assisted living. As...

NAM study lays out "facts" on U.S. manufacturing.(The Facts About Modern Manufacturing)(National Association of Manufacturers)
November 1, 2006... By Staff Amid a slew of negative news about American manufacturing, the National Association of Manufacturers contends in a new study that manufacturing still plays a dominant and crucial role in economic growth. 'The Facts About...

ISA committee nears completion of standards.(Instrument Society of America)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff In meetings at ISA EXPO, the ISA-SP99 Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security Committee focused on preparations to issue its first two standards and an updated guideline for committee voting, while launching a new...

New NAM chairman.(Charles E. Bunch appointed as chairman of National Association of Manufacturers)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff Charles E. (Chuck) Bunch , chairman and CEO of of Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries, Inc. will serve as chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers. Bunch's two-year term begins Jan. 1, 2007. PPG is a global supplier of...

Frosst takes the helm at Activplant.(Chuck Frosst appointed as president)(Ted Williams promoted chairman of the board of directors)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff Activplant has named Chuck Frosst to the role of president, with president and CEO Ted Williams becomes chairman of the board of directors. The company said the appointments are 'accelerating the company's strategic growth plan...

IFMA tabs Thomas as COO.(International Facility Management Association appoints R. Alan Thomas as executive vice president and chief operating officer)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff The International Facility Management Association has named R. Alan Thomas , CAE, as executive vice president and COO. In the newly created role, Thomas will oversee professional development, allied services, event management,...

Schneider"s Initi@tive 2006 showcases company"s solutions.(Schneider Electric Industries)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Jack Smith Nearly 1,400 Schneider Electric North American Operating Division customers packed the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL, from Sept. 28-30 attending 'Initi@tive 2006: the Gateway to the New Electric...

Measuring data crucial to operational excellence.(Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association )
November 1, 2006... By Staff A new handbook released by the Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) shows that manufacturers that leverage technology to measure key performance indicators have an edge in managing their operations, yet very few...

Wireless solutions, technology the focus at Emerson event.
November 1, 2006... By Jack Smith The word of the week was 'wireless' at the Emerson Global Users Exchange hosted by Emerson Process Management Oct. 2-6 at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville. John Berra, president of Emerson Process...

OEMs explore automation trends at PACK EXPO.(original equipment manufacturer)
November 1, 2006... By Staff Four leading OEMs participated in a panel discussion hosted by Rockwell Automation Tuesday, Oct. 31 at PACK EXPO in Chicago. Laurence Oldacre and Rob Holl, ATS; Nick DiFabio, Bradman Lake Group; Peter Fox, Delkor Systems and...

Strategic maintenance, plant floor integration drive improvements.
November 1, 2006... By Mike Laszkiewicz, Rockwell Automation With maintenance-related activities accounting for a substantial portion of the total operating costs for manufacturing plants, manufacturers are placing increased emphasis on effectively managing...

New drying system strategies balance costs and effectiveness.
November 1, 2006... By Emily Pope, Spraying Systems, Inc. Plant managers are constantly faced with the challenge of finding new ways to reduce costs, increase throughput and meet established quality standards. One of the biggest areas for improving plant...

Precision leveling mounts.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The MHD Series of leveling mounts provides a secure, high-precision connection between the bedding elements and the machine. The mounts' unique design absorbs impulses and shocks in high-speed machinery, where damping is...

Energy chain cable carriers.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Energy Chain cable carriers and Chainflex continuous-flex cables are designed for use in extremely tight spaces. The compact versions of the line of automated machinery components are particularly suitable for packaging...

Media mill feed pump.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The abrasive-duty SPX media mill feed pump is suitable for the transfer and handling of corrosive solids and particle-laden liquids used in media mill applications. Pump life is unaffected by abrasive products because the pump has...

Internet counter.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Available in PC-board and standalone versions, the iFPX Internet/Ethernet frequency pulse transmitter works with most conventional counting inputs up to 500 kHz. Using a Web-based interface, it can be configured to display rate,...

Building an online resource one click-through at a time.
November 1, 2006... By Staff A recent poll of PLANT ENGINEERING readers found 73% use the Internet daily - and every reader uses it at least once a week. Web access is everywhere, and with the launch of new Web productivity tools, the Internet is a click away...

New "Quick Clicks" tab.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Go to the new 'Quick Clicks' tab at www.plantengineering.com to download white papers or link to specific Websites. It's a fast way to gather the latest new ideas in manufacturing research and deliver it right to your desktop. ...

2006 Finalists Product of the Year.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Honoring this year's best innovations from your desktop The best of 2006's product innovation are presented in the 19th annual PLANT ENGINEERING Product of the Year balloting. Picking this year's winners is now in our readers'...

Electrical circuits hazard video.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Electrical Measurement Safety interactive video now focuses on reducing hazards for people measuring electrical circuits, and reducing the risk and liability for employers. The video available on Fluke's website...

Robot invention programming.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Mindstorms NXT icon-based, drag-and-drop, easy-to-use interface software quickly programs robotic inventions. The software enables you to program NXT robots and download programs via USB or Bluetooth connectivity. The...

Online learning.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Web Based Training online learning management system combines the proven techniques offered in Computer Based Training with the convenience and technology available via the Internet. The system allows companies to train large...

Pocket ergonomics primers.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Pocket-sized spiral-bound reference books provide industrial managers, supervisors and employees with knowledge and skills needed to improve ergonomic conditions and practices. Ergonomics for Managers and Supervisors includes...

PLC test.
November 1, 2006... By Staff PLC Test is designed to measure knowledge and skills in repair and maintenance of Programmable Logic Controllers. The test covers PLC and I/O Basics, Ladder Logic, Programming Basics, Peripherals and Systems and Troubleshooting...

Technology-based training workshop.
November 1, 2006... By Staff PROACT Human Error Reduction Strategy Workshop covers 28 types of human errors, 10 human error traps in the workplace and 10 supervisory skills to reduce human errors. It provides an event/error reduction model, and also covers...

Rotary screw air compressor.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Featuring a variable-speed drive, the 3700V rotary screw air compressor is designed for energy efficiency, noise reduction and unimpeded access to all components. Precision-ground air ends provide efficient air compression, and an...

Compressed air modular piping.
November 1, 2006... By Staff AP50 pipes are constructed of aluminum-extruded profiles and feature a square design. Fittings and pipes are joined by clamping brackets that are locked by Allen screws. Pressure tightness is accommodated by traditional O-ring...

Electronic flow controller.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The user-friendly EFC electronic flow control for compressed air is designed to minimize compressed air used on blowoff, drying, cooling, conveying and static elimination operations. It combines a photoelectric sensor with a...

Rotary screw air compressor.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Combi II rotary screw air compressor has a modular design, facilitating a range of models. Featuring an intelligent, microprocessor control system, the unit includes a UL enclosed industrial control panel. Standard features on...

Refrigeration air dryers.
November 1, 2006... By Staff CRV variable operation dryers are controlled by a microprocessor and feature an all-in-one, patented heat exchanger technology. The design also features an inverter for operation at medium to high air flows. Cycling operation...

Rotary screw compressor.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The SM Series of rotary screw compressors feature the optimized Sigma Profile airend and an automatic v-belt tensioning device. Its split-cooling airflow design and patent-pending, double-flow cooling fan increase airflow through...

Washdown motor.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Picker-Plus electric washdown motor is designed for feather-picking equipment. It combines the company's patented HydroDuty features with the requirements of feather-picking applications. Motor features a rolled steel shell and a...

Copper rotor motors.
November 1, 2006... By Staff NEMA motors are available in three product lines, which include general-purpose die-cast aluminum, general-purpose cast iron and severe duty cast iron frame. These motors include high efficiency and NEMA Premium designs. Die-cast...

Seal grounds motor shaft.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Motor Grounding Seal (MGS) uses carbon filament brushes within the seal to redirect shaft current past the bearing and through the end bell to ground. When VFDs are used with ac motors, voltage builds up on the shaft, forcing...

Adapter facilitates shaft grounding.
November 1, 2006... By Staff AEGIS SGR conductive MicroFiber shaft grounding ring includes a mounting adapter to facilitate installation of the device on ac motors with shaft shoulders, slingers, bearing caps or end-bell protrusions. The adapter also...

VFD for HVAC pumps.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Altivar 61 variable speed drive manages and monitors building HVAC and pump applications using 3-phase motors from 1 hp to 125 hp at 200/240 Vac, and 1 hp to 900 hp at 380/480 Vac. It also has under-voltage ride-through capability...

Adjustable frequency drive.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The SPX 9000 adjustable frequency drive provides precise motor control and features fast microprocessor control for high dynamic performance. Features include less than 0.01% speed error; incremental or absolute encoder support;...

Washdown drives.
November 1, 2006... By Staff H2 washdown adjustable speed drives are available in open-loop, encoderless and closed-loop vector, and servo configurations. Rated NEMA 4X, the drives are available from 1 hp through 10 hp. The easy-to-use keypad is integrated...

Cut-resistant gloves.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Kleenguard G60 purple nitrile cut-resistant gloves are designed for workers needing protection against hand lacerations. Made with Dyneema, the gloves enhance dexterity and comfort while protecting against cuts, and the purple...

Pump controller.
November 1, 2006... By Staff PumpSmart PS200 V5.0 pump controller prevents failure, improves reliability and maximizes flow economy. The new version offers advanced control features, pump protection and positive displacement pump protection. A proprietary...

Decontamination unit.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Remedial In-Room Decontamination System is equipped with multi-patented, high-output UVC technology. The UVC technology uses no chemicals, produces no ozone or toxic contaminants and minimizes worker exposure. Capable of...

Variable-frequency drive.
November 1, 2006... By Staff SMVector drive features four modes of operation (V/Hz, enhanced V/Hz, vector speed, torque), high starting torque, auto-tuning, advanced low-speed control and dynamic speed regulation. It is reported to be economical, easy to use...

Bag removal device.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Grapoid filter bag removal device removes top-loading, snap-in pleated and felt bags in baghouses. Available in two sizes, it's operated by a standard cordless drill, a pneumatic wrench or a hand tool. The Grapoid is placed...

Sanitary conveyor belt.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Series 850 SeamFree minimum hinge flat-top conveyor belt is drive-bar driven, preventing debris from being pressed into the hinge area. The minimum hinge feature assists in overall cleaning efforts, providing greater rod...

Sediment control for curbs.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Ultra-CurbGuard Plus sediment control protects curb inlets from sediment-laden runoff. Quick and easy to install, the units have a modular design and can be connected to meet any size requirement. Wedge-shaped, heavy-duty foam...

Air quality booth.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Gold Series Booth provides a manufacturing-friendly system that protects workers from dusty environments. The booth encloses the work environment on three sides and creates a cross-draft in the work area, pulling dust away...

Safety coating.
November 1, 2006... By Staff GlowMax safety coatings provide illumination in power-outage or low-light situations. Designed to mark exit paths, the coatings are available in aerosols, acrylics and anti-slip floor coatings. They come in safety yellow and...

Mist collector.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The WSO mist collector filters water-soluble coolants, straight oil and oily smoke. It adapts to application requirements with a change of the filter cartridge. Engineered with Synteq XP filter media and oblong cartridges that...

Spill containment pallet.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Pig Poly Spill containment pallet captures leaks, drips and spills from a single drum. Its 61-gallon capacity helps users comply with the 40 CFR 264.175 requirements for storage of hazardous wastes. Capable of holding either...

Hydraulic grease pump.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The 8600 Series hydraulic pump offers a range of grease output in a robust design. Featuring a compact footprint, the pump is suitable for automatic lubrication systems installed on mobile equipment, fitting in tight spaces....

Split bearing protection seal.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The patent-pending design of the 33K split bearing protection seal combines two different materials. The monolithic housing is made from a flexible, 95A durometer thermoset polyurethane. The sealing interface components are made...

Open-head funnel.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Pig One-Hand open-head funnel features a low-profile funnel and installs on open 55-gallon steel drums with existing bolt rings. One-handed lever operation facilitates easy opening and closing and meets closed-container...

Air distribution system.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Pro-Flo X air distribution system features a patent-pending efficiency management system (EMS), which allows each pump to be customized specifically for actual operational parameters, regardless of application demands and pump...

Multipump dispensing system.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The GT multipump dispensing system allows multiple-liquid transfer stations to operate simultaneously from a single compressor running at 2 psi. The system features a regulator with a low-volume air pressure gauge, automatic...

Filter & transfer cart.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Featuring an ergonomic design with a low center of gravity, the Model 634 filter and transfer cart has an industrial-grade internal gearpump that's designed for quiet operation. It handles many kinds of fluid, including...

Pressure-powered condensate pump.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Pivotrol PTF4 high-capacity pressure-powered condensate pump is capable of pumping up to 40,000 pounds per hour in rapid-cycling process environments and under elevated pressure and temperature conditions. A patented,...

Touch screen control box for doors.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The FlexLogic interactive control box features a graphic display that indicates position of door panels in real-time and facilitates setting of door limits from the floor. An events log lists all door activity with an explanation...

Containment pallets.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Featuring 100% polyethylene construction, Ultra-Modular IBC SpillPallets offer spill containment for multiple IBC tanks. Available in models that accommodate two, three, four and five tanks, the pallets meet SPCC and EPA container...

High-speed rolling door.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Spiral HZ high-performance rolling door is engineered to withstand Category 4 hurricane-force winds. It features rigid, double-walled aluminum slats with integral rubber weather seals between each panel and reinforced hinges...

Manual drum faucets.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The VDFT and JDFT manual drum faucets feature a virgin polyethylene construction. Both models have non-adjustable nozzles, manual turn handles and hooks to hold pails and buckets. Both designs provide graduated dispensing speeds...

Industrial doors.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The RapidRoll 3000R family of high-performance industrial doors is designed to improve workflow, lower energy and maintenance costs and enhance security. Suitable for a range of applications that call for frequent in and out...

Roll-up door.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Draw-Tite powered roll-up door features a tensioning device that enables the door to maintain a seal under gusts of up to 70 mph and prevents the curtain from blowing out of its guides. It comes standard with an in-tube-style...

Anemometers measure temperature.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The AN200 and AN100 airflow anemometers with built-in infrared thermometer are actually three meters in one: they measure air flow, air velocity and air temperature. Features include a laser pointer to identify the target area;...

Transpointer.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The PX 10 transpointer uses magnetic field detection technology to determine the start and exit points for drilling and coring applications. Capable of measuring thicknesses on wood, drywall, block and concrete, it features a...

Portable vibration datalogger.
November 1, 2006... By Staff Leonova Infinity portable datalogger and spectrum analyzer features a color touch screen and weighs less than 2 pounds. The instrument can measure vibration, speed, temperature, shock-pulse, signal spectrum and other analog...

Door strap.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Safety Strap is designed for cross docks and facilities that leave dock doors open and can be incorporated with the company's Dock Communications System. It is available as a standalone product or paired with a proximity...

Non-metallic enclosure.
November 1, 2006... By Staff The FATBOY double-deep, J-series, non-metallic enclosure features a unique 'clam-shell' appearance and rugged durability necessary to ensure a practical solution for many extra space application requirements without adding height...

Encoderless belt scale.(Applied Innovative Solutions, LLC )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff The AIScale self-powered conveyor belt scale incorporates a dc generator that provides varying dc excitation voltage for the load cells and wireless transmitter. Rotary encoder or special integrators are not necessary because the...

Combination pressure gauge transducer.(Ashcroft, Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Xmitr combines a pressure gauge with transducer technology to create a single, convenient dual-function instrument. It provides traditional transducer features including 4-20 mA and voltage outputs and 1% BFSL accuracy with...

pH sensors.(Rosemount Analytical Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff PERpH-X pH sensor for high-temperature applications performs longer in temperatures up to 145 C. Glass formulations minimize glass cracking, which increases sensor life, as do the refillable reference electrolyte and replaceable...

User-programmable encoder.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff The DRS61 CoreTech incremental encoders feature resolution that can be user-programmed from one to 8,192 lines, as well as the width of the zero pulse, using a USB connection and programming software. The encoders can also be...

Coriolis flowmeter assessment.(Emerson Process Management Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff In-situ Full Meter Verification Technology enables self-verification for assessment of calibration and health of Micro Motion Coriolis flowmeters and eliminates field proving and meter removal. The technology also enables...

Integrated temperature power control.(Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff The EZ-ZONE ST integrated control loop integrates temperature control, power control, safety shut-down and power disconnect in a single package. It features a PID temperature controller already connected to a high-amperage,...

Proportional proximity sensor.(Eaton Corp)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff AccuProx high-performance analog inductive proximity sensor generates an electrical signal that varies in proportion to the position to the metal target within its sensing range, as opposed to sending an open or closed signal upon...

Corrosion monitoring transmitter.(Honeywell Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff SmartCET corrosion monitoring transmitter provides real-time, localized corrosion indication rate, Stern-Geary constant (B value) and corrosion mechanism indication. The probe is available in a three-electrode configuration with...

Expanded range pH meter.(Electro Chemical Separation Analysis Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff The pH 620 pH meter has a pH measurement range of -2.00 to 19.99, which is expandable to 0.001pH resolution with accuracies up to +/-0.002 pH. Meter features include IRDA communication, 500-data set memory and an IP67-rated...

Glassless inline pH electrode.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... By Staff The Type 8201 glassless inline pH electrode measures pH in hygienic process applications. The electrode does not require removal during CIP/SIP cleaning. Under standard inline CIP conditions (30 minutes per day, maximum...