Plant Engineering articles from November 2007

Plant Engineering archives from November 2007

What's the 'M' in TPM?
November 15, 2007... Darrin Wikoff, Life Cycle Engineering It's confusing, at times, when working with a number of sophisticated clients who are engaging my help to implement TPM because I see the same acronym used to drive change within organizations, but...

Mechatronics: Rethinking the machine means rethinking engineering.
November 15, 2007... By Dave Ballard, SEW-EURODRIVE Plant engineers are always on the front lines in a two-front war between technology change and legacy equipment. With every equipment purchase they consider, they know they're buying their next legacy system....

As manufacturing changes ingenuity, skill are constant.
November 15, 2007... Bob Vavra, Editor My first trip to Europe three years ago included a visit to Florence. There have been few experiences in my life as awe-inspiring as seeing this great, historic city, largely unchanged in 600 years. I was privileged to...

The Changing Role of the Plant Engineer.
November 15, 2007... By Bob Vavra, Editor In an uncertain time, engineers offer a crystal-clear look ahead If the landscape of manufacturing is confusing to some, the man in charge of the plant floor can see clearly to the horizon. You can call that...

Reader Feedback.(Letter to the editor)
November 15, 2007... Staff Don't overlook minor air leaks, and look for energy savings 'Finding the miss-ssssssss-ing air loss in your compressor system' (Plant Engineering Live) really highlights the concern in our industry. As a compressed air...

The name's the same, but leaders seek a broader view of automation.(Brief article)
November 15, 2007... Staff Part of the buzz at ISA Expo 2007 was the discussion surrounding the organization's proposed name change. The ISA Executive Board voted unanimously to change the organization's name from the 'Instrumentation, Systems and Automation...

ISA100 update.
November 15, 2007... Staff Much of ISA Expo focused on wireless technology. A significant number of exhibitors displayed various forms of wireless including the so-called point-to-point (which is more accurately described by calling it single path or single...

Siemens enhances process control.
November 15, 2007... Staff Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. has enhanced Version 7 of its SIMATIC PCS 7 Process Automation System to include a comprehensive set of easy-to-use advanced process control (APC) capabilities. The APC improvements include PID...

ProSoft introduces industrial wireless hotspot.
November 15, 2007... Staff Adding to its RadioLinx wireless product family, ProSoft Technology introduced its 802.11abg Industrial Hotspot with IP65-rated water resistant, dust-proof enclosure. This radio functions as an access point, repeater or client and...

ABB exhibits analytics solutions.
November 15, 2007... Staff ABB showcased some of its process analytics solutions at its booth (#1228) during ISA Expo 2007. These solutions provide precise measurements and monitoring for process industries, including hydrocarbon processing, gas processing and...

Phoenix Contact displays Lean Managed Switch.
November 15, 2007... Staff Among the variety of products at its booth (#2216), Phoenix Contact introduced its Lean Managed Switch (LMS), a compact, powerful and economical managed Ethernet switch. The LMS provides key managed functions for users who want more...

Paper manufacturer sustains quality and the environment.
November 15, 2007... By Bob Vavra Dave Lunati surveyed the overflow crowd at his presentation on sustainable packaging at October's Pack Expo in Las Vegas and stated the obvious. 'It's clear sustainable packaging is an important topic this year,' he told the...

Summit tackles sustainability, aging workforce, handling data.
November 15, 2007... Staff Returning to the site of last year's successful inaugural event, the 2008 PLANT ENGINEERING Manufacturing Summit opens with lead sponsor IBM March 31 and continues through April 1, 2008, at the Hotel Sofitel in Chicago. 'We are...

Gas turbine symposium planned at Power-Gen.
November 15, 2007... Staff The ASME International Gas Turbine Institute will hold the 2007 Gas Turbine Users Symposium Dec. 11-13, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The event will be co-located with the 2007 Power-Gen International...

ARC forum to focus on manufacturing strategies.
November 15, 2007... Staff The ARC Advisory Group's upcoming forum, titled 'Winning Strategies and Best Practices for Global Manufacturers,' will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, FL, Feb. 4-7, 2008. The forum will address the extraordinary...

Efficiency at root of standards debate.
November 15, 2007... Staff An estimated annual energy savings of 13% relative to ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 should result from a proposed addendum regarding air- and water-cooled chillers. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings...

Technology driven innovation sought by SME.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Society of Manufacturing Engineers has developed a new initiative to identify technologies that are making an impact across industry. 'Technologies that Could Change the Way You Manufacture' is a member-driven program to discover...

Sweep or scrub? The answer depends on what you consider 'clean'.
November 15, 2007... By Joel Crenshaw There are numerous reasons for sweeping or scrubbing floors in a plant or warehouse - increased productivity, worker safety, product contamination, protecting the floor surface and maintaining a quality image. On average,...

NEMA standard addresses hookup wire.(National Electrical Manufacturers Association)(Brief article)
November 15, 2007... Staff The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published the NEMA HP 6-2007 Electrical and Electronic Silicone and Silicone-Braided Insulated Hook-Up Wire Types s (600 V), ZHS (600 V), SS (1000 V), ZHSS (1000 V) and SSB...

At the speed of light, the Web accelerates our communication.
November 15, 2007... By Bob Vavra, Editor When PLANT ENGINEERING debuted in 1947, no one this side of Isaac Asimov saw how communications would change our lives. We had the radio and the telephone and some overseas cabling. And there was this new box you could...

Talking back between our readers.
November 15, 2007... Staff When David Loucks of Eaton wrote an article on selective coordination, he didn't have to wait a month for a reaction from Plant Engineering readers. The reaction came the next day, via the Talkback feature at www.PlantEngineering.com...

Six exclusive Webcasts now available in archives.
November 15, 2007... Staff Six exclusive PLANT ENGINEERING Webcasts have aired in the last four months, and they've all been on issues crucial to manufacturers. Topics have ranged from EAM to arc flash, and from energy to maintenance. If you couldn't make...

Check for online updates from Automation Fair.
November 15, 2007... Staff Check out www.PlantEngineering.com for the latest updates from the 2007 Rockwell Automation Fair at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Website home page will feature daily updates from the show, product information and reviews of the...

White papers are now available on Website.
November 15, 2007... Staff There's a wealth of knowledge available from key industry leaders at www.PlantEngineering.com . Click on 'White Papers' under the Resources tab on the home page and find white papers on a variety of topics. Some current white...

Where we've been, where we're at and.
November 15, 2007... Richard L. Dunn In the years between World Wars I and II, the power needs of industry changed drastically as electricity and steam usage soared. Much of the needed utilities were generated onsite, and the person responsible for operating...

Focusing on the 'human side of engineering' pays big dividends.
November 15, 2007... By Ray Dreyfack I've seen it time and again. So have you. Two employees - call them Paul and John - are engaged in a heated argument. Eventually their hostility is abated, but with no resolution reached. Tightlipped, they go their...

Transportation infrastructure crucial to manufacturing.
November 15, 2007... By John Engler, President, National Association of Manufacturers Traffic jams are becoming commonplace throughout the country and millions of commuters are spending hours a day going to and from work or on personal errands inching along...

As time goes by, emphasis on manufacturing precision grows.
November 15, 2007... By Joseph L. Foszcz PE, retired Senior Editor, PLANT ENGINEERING 'This day and age we're living in Gives cause for apprehension With speed and new invention And things like fourth dimension. Yet we get a trifle weary ...

Automation is the future for manufacturing growth.
November 15, 2007... By Patrick Gouhin, ISA executive director and CEO We can discuss the signs that manufacturing is picking up speed and gaining ground in America. There are plenty of numbers to point to. According to the National Council for Advanced...

The evolution of maintenance strategy.
November 15, 2007... By Ralph Rio, ARC Advisory Group Continuous improvement programs nearly always start on the plant floor and, with success, expand into other areas of the corporation. Lean and Six Sigma have wide adoption and many are using these programs...

The morphing of the plant engineer continues.
November 15, 2007... By Timothy B. Janos, Spectrum Energy Concepts Inc. It seems amazing that PLANT ENGINEERING magazine is celebrating 60 years of publication this month. This certainly is both a reflection of the quality and timeliness of the publication...

The age of Wal-Mart, and the future of waste.
November 15, 2007... By Gary Forger, Material Handling Industry of America There was an interesting front page story recently in the Wall Street Journal about Wal-Mart. The point was fairly straightforward - the age of Wal-Mart has come and gone. As you...

As manufacturing changed, so did PLANT ENGINEERING.
November 15, 2007... By Richard L. Dunn, Editor (Retired) PLANT ENGINEERING I started with PLANT ENGINEERING magazine in November 1969 as an associate editor for environmental and safety coverage. My previous 'plant engineering' experience was as the...

Manufacturing leaders mark milestones in 2007.
November 15, 2007... By Bob Vavra PLANT ENGINEERING's 60th anniversary celebration isn't the only major commemoration in manufacturing in 2007. Many companies reached important milestones as well. The Raymond Corporation: 85th anniversary The Raymond...

2007 Finalists Product of the Year.
November 15, 2007... Staff Your chance to help pick the best of the best For 20 years, PLANT ENGINEERING 's Product of the Year award has been among the most coveted honors in manufacturing. One reason for that is the award is chosen by our readers. You...

Adjustable tool.
November 15, 2007... Staff The SeeSnake micro inspection camera is a professional-grade adjustable mini-camera. The high-resolution camera sits on the end of a 3-foot cable that is reinforced with a waterproof vinyl jacket. Users manually control the camera,...

Adjustable wrench.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Bionic Wrench is part of the Pro-Gear family of professional-grade hand tools. The wrench has a closed-head and six smooth jaws that converge on all sides of a nut or bolt when the handle is squeezed, and it features an interlock...

Adjustable pliers.
November 15, 2007... Staff Part of the Pro-Gear line of professional-grade tools, the Bionic Grip hand tool features an interlock mechanism that stays engaged while under torque load and a nickel finish for corrosion resistance. The unit's gripping technology...

Elevating mast platform.
November 15, 2007... Staff The model 1230ES is an electric-powered, elevating-mast aerial work platform designed to lift workers during interior work. The product has a 12-foot platform height and 500-pound platform capacity. It stows to 30 by 65¼...

Infrared camera.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Ex|CAM AP Pro ATEX-certified infrared camera facilitates the use of non-cooled infrared thermal imaging systems in hazardous environments. The device features an oversized manual focusing ring, a FASTstore instant save button, an...

Vibration analyzer.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Vb7 vibration analyzer is designed for use in predictive maintenance operations. The device features a 6,400-line FFT resolution, a 40-kHz Fmax and 1 GB of memory. Designed for left- and right-handed operation, it's equipped with...

Screwdriver.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Bit Dr. screwdriver incorporates a 21-piece driver set into the design of one standard screwdriver. The screwdriver offers six driving positions along a 180-degree range, three length adjustments, a ratcheting function and...

Cold air gun.
November 15, 2007... Staff The high-power cold gun incorporates a stainless steel vortex tube that converts ordinary supplies of compressed air into cold air. The air gun produces a stream of 20 F air to reduce heat buildup from laser cutting, and a flexible...

Portable lifting platform.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Lift-Tool is a portable, variable-height workbench that facilitates a variety of lifting and positioning jobs. Requiring a cordless drill to move the platform up or down, the device can help reduce user fatigue. The platform...

Digital imaging system.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Phantom Miro is a family of digital cameras. The entry-level model can take images with a resolution of up to 640 by 480 at any of eight fixed-frame rates. The second level can handle frame rates ranging from one to 1,000 frames...

Work light.
November 15, 2007... Staff The 360[degrees] high-intensity work light is a cool fluorescent lamp designed to spread high-intensity, wide-area light to enhance visibility in plant environments. The T8 fluorescent lamps are suitable for indoor use and meet OSHA...

Transmitters.
November 15, 2007... Staff The 771 Milliamp process clamp meter measures 4-20-mA output signals from transmitters in process and industrial control system applications without breaking the current loop. The meter measures with an accuracy of 0.2%, with...

Laser alignment system.
November 15, 2007... Staff OPTALIGN smart is a laser shaft/coupling-alignment system designed for use in maintenance work and rotating equipment. It features automatic continuous measurement as the shaft is rotated, automatic evaluation of alignment condition,...

Cordless hammerdrill.
November 15, 2007... Staff The TE 7-A cordless rotary hammerdrill is designed for drilling in concrete and masonry. The drill is equipped with 36-V lithium-ion batteries and offers a 5/16 to 3/4-inch diameter optimum drilling range. The batteries can charge up...

Slip-on hex tool.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Make Sense tap adapter removes obstructive parts. The product does not add length to the tap and works in confined spaces. It features 11 essential tap adapters, designed to fit common fractional taps up to 3/4-inch and 22 mm...

Spill containment system.
November 15, 2007... Staff Spill Preparedness Control Center enables the user to identify which Spill Pac to use for a spill or leak. The product is available in a visible 18 by 18 by 3-inch, color-coded bag, which is designed to be placed on machinery or...

Metal degreaser.
November 15, 2007... Staff EVR clean air solvent is designed for the use in bearings, brakes, controls, chains, cables, gauges, gears and hand tools. The solvent features high solvent strength, fast evaporation, low VOC content, compliance with the Southern...

Chemical spray protection coveralls.
November 15, 2007... Staff KLEENGUARD A70 chemical spray protection coveralls provide protection against hazardous waste remediation, environmental clean-up, petrochemical and oil refining, acid and caustic handling, biohazard clean-up, tank cleaning and...

Safety management system.
November 15, 2007... Staf CHAMPS LOTO lockout/tagout system is designed to provide integrated safety management functionality for the spectrum of operations and maintenance organizations involved in locking and tagging equipment. The system delivers safety to...

Bench top printer.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Brady IP Series printer system uses smart cell technology and allows the printer material, ribbon and software to communicate. Benefits include shorter set-up time, improved productivity, reduction in waste, cost-effective...

Safety software.
November 15, 2007... Staff Essential Suite 7.0 provides organizations the ability to reduce complexities, risks and costs associated with operating disparate EH&S systems. The software allows the user to monitor and manage their EH&S activities at various...

Loading dock seal.
November 15, 2007... Staff PitMaster under-leveler seal effectively seals the fourth side of the dock opening located beneath the dock leveler and around the pit opening. The seal features improved sanitization and industrial hygiene, reduces heating/cooling...

Containment pallet.
November 15, 2007... Staff The PAK 150 PIG single drum pallet roll-top hardcover provides protected indoor/outdoor storage and non-hazardous liquid containment for a frequently accessed drum in manufacturing or industrial settings. The drum features an...

Nanofiber cartridge filter.
November 15, 2007... Staff Advanced Nanofiber Filtration Technology is designed for dust collection cartridge filters. The technology provides a surface treatment of fine synthetic nanofibers, forming a nanoscopic mesh to trap dust particles on the filter's...

Threadless connection system.
November 15, 2007... Staff Ultra-Lock is a threadless, stainless steel connection system designed to meet the sanitary requirements of food, beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The threadless M12-compatible connection system is comprised of a series of...

Unmanaged PoE switch.
November 15, 2007... Staff The EDS-P308 Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) unmanaged eight-port smart Ethernet switch supplies up to 15.4 W of power per port (ports 1-4) at 48 Vdc. PoE technology eliminates the need for power outlets when deploying Ethernet-enabled...

Rugged digital storage.
November 15, 2007... Staff The EE25 series 5400.2 hard disc drive is designed for digital storage in extreme environment locations. It provides up to 80 GB of data storage in areas where temperature, vibration, humidity, shock and altitude could affect...

Process control system.
November 15, 2007... Staff Proficy Process Systems is an integrated system for process control with scalable architecture and an open fieldbus approach. The hardware and software infrastructure offers the benefits of both traditional DCS and PLC/HMI systems...

Wireless embedded computer.
November 15, 2007... Staff The ThinkCore W345 RISC-based wireless embedded computer with GSM/GPRS features the ARM9 32-bit 192-MHz processor; an onboard 64 MB of RAM, a 16-MB Flash disk; a built in quad band GSM/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 MHz wireless technology;...

Wireless circuit monitor.
November 15, 2007... Staff Cooper InVision downtime reduction is a wireless circuit monitoring system that provides immediate notification and exact location of an open circuit protection device - either fuse or circuit breaker. Wireless sensors monitor...

Web-enabled PAC.
November 15, 2007... Staff The model 5300 Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) features advanced motion control and next-generation programming tools. It controls up to 64 axes, has multiple CPU capability with up to 1,024 I/O points per CPU, a built-in...

Touch screen operator interface.
November 15, 2007... Staff HMi is a family of analog touch screen operator interfaces with programmable function buttons featuring macros that give users the capability to store application recipes, images, historical trends and alarm data. Its expansion slot...

Wireless application network.
November 15, 2007... Staff The ION industrial wireless application network is an open, scalable and extensible foundation for managing multi-vendor applications. This second-generation release provides improved security. The system includes the IONosphere...

Mid-range PAC.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Modicon M340 Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) simplifies setup and implementation by means of a single programming tool. The PAC can be configured using the Unity software suite, which offers a choice of five IEC...

Wireless bridge for ControlLogix.
November 15, 2007... Staff The MV156-WA-EIP inRAx wireless EtherNet/IP communication module acts as a wireless bridge, enabling remote connectivity between a ControlLogix processor and 802.11b wireless devices including PCs, laptops, radio modems and other...

Image-based inspection sensor.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Checker 200 series image-based sensor inspects more than 6,000 ppm. It inspects multiple features, overcomes varying part position and detects parts by finding actual features. The sensor features built-in lighting, variable...

Configurable linear actuator.
November 15, 2007... Staff Single-Axis Actuators are available in 208 configured styles, are compatible with most servo motors and are designed to provide precision linear motion in general industrial assembly as well as automotive, packaging and medical...

Distributed controller.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Simatic ET 200pro I/O system is an IP65/67-rated distributed controller, with integrated Ethernet and Profibus communication, that does not require a control cabinet; it can be mounted directly on the machine. The modular CPU can...

Personnel, asset location system.
November 15, 2007... Staff Honeywell Instant Location System (HILS) is a Web-based, real time location solution that manufacturers can use to ensure safety, improve security and manage people and assets within their facilities. It features current and...

Integrated programming software.
November 15, 2007... Staff RSLogix v16 programming software allows GuardLogix users to control multiple axis robot applications. It features user-defined add-on instructions; and integrated drives configuration for faster setup, improved accuracy and easier...

Wireless mesh network.
November 15, 2007... Staff OneWireless universal industrial wireless mesh network supports multiple industrial protocols and applications simultaneously, and is scalable to 30,000 devices. It supports existing Honeywell wireless transmitters, which include...

DCS migration module.
November 15, 2007... Staff I/A series Honeywell HART modules enable Honeywell users to upgrade their aging TDC 2000 systems to the latest I/A series automation technology and modern HART field communications without having to replace existing field wiring,...

Loop optimization software.
November 15, 2007... Staff INTUNE Version 5 loop optimization software is a plant management and process control predictive maintenance software tool. It features real-time customized report capability and nonintrusive adaptive tuning capability. Functionality...

Polyethylene shelf.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Pig Drum filling shelf is made of a polyethylene material that attaches to the side of a drum and supports containers while being filled from drum pumps. The shelf fits 30-gallon steel drums and most 55-gallon poly drums. It can...

Lift truck.
November 15, 2007... Staff The model 4200 stand-up counterbalanced lift truck is for use in dock-to-stock needs. The truck has a load capacity ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. Its three-wheel design provides a small turning radius and makes it capable of...

Control valve positioner.
November 15, 2007... Staff The SP200 line of smart electropneumatic control valve positioners offers long-term reliability, simplicity and accuracy. The positioner is loop-powered from a 4-20 mA input signal to provide accurate, adaptive position control using...

Hand chain hoist.
November 15, 2007... Staff The CX mini-hand chain hoist is applicable for use in duct installation, automobile maintenance and crane repair. The product is rated at 1/4-ton capacity and is available in standard lift lengths of 10 and 20 feet. The hoist...

Airless metal sorter.
November 15, 2007... Staff The ProSort metal sorter uses a traditional conveyor belt and sensors to detect metals and 2-inch-wide electro-mechanical paddles to reject material. The sorter requires no air compressor and is available in sizes as large as 128...

Carbon-fiber belt.
November 15, 2007... Staff The Poly Chain GT carbon belt features a carbon-fiber tensile cord to provide strength and length stability while reducing stretch on drive systems used in high-torque applications. The belt drive system is available in more than...