Plant Engineering articles from October 2004

Plant Engineering archives from October 2004

Bus duct misunderstanding.(SOLUTIONS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The "Dangerous Solution" letter by Charles R. Lee Jr., P.E. in the August 2004 issue of PLANT ENGINEERING is great advice. One should never modify bus duct. I would, however, like to point out that no modifications whatsoever were made to the...

Human Side.(SOLUTIONS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... I noticed Mr. Everett's letter in the July issue scolding Mr. Dreyfack. I find the column to be most valuable. I don't deal with our people on the floor in a direct supervisory position, but I have the ear of the plant manager who does. Since...

Sewer camera hazard.(SOLUTIONS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Many plants that use video monitoring equipment for sewer and other piping inspections may not realize that this type of equipment is classified as electrical equipment for purposes of OSHA compliance. As a result, this equipment must meet...

Customers take on manufacturer inflation burden.(SOLUTIONS)
October 1, 2004... Manufacturing costs for a wide range of mechanical components and operating supplies that plant engineers buy regularly have been rising sharply over the last 12 months. Unfortunately, the typical components and supplies manufacturers are...

Are you better off ...(Comment)
October 1, 2004... One of the big questions of this political season has been, "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" It's not a bad question to ask, even when it has nothing to do with politics. Each of us should periodically take stalk of where...

Anti-company behavior: don't sit for it.(Human side)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... When Electrician Grade II George Miller was bypassed once again for promotion by Foreman Al Clement, he went ranting and raving all over the place. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I got the seniority," he groused, "and I got the experience....

Restructuring is expected: be sure to lay out a plan in advance.(Human side)
October 1, 2004... With the economy and industry in flux, the company held a high level meeting to determine what changes had to be made. Although the details were still to be spelled out, it was generally conceded that at least two plants would be shut down and...

Can you ignore seniority and promote the fastest man to the job?(Human side)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... When Electrician First Grade Sam Brewer opted for early retirement, Maintenance Supervisor Bill Albright smiled happily, viewing it as an opportunity to promote Electrician Second Grade Art Egan to fill his shoes. Brewer, 61, was a shade above...

Can you promote a better qualified employee from outside the department?(Human side)
October 1, 2004... Few would argue that it is in management's interest to assign the best-qualified employee when a key job opens up. This option usually satisfies everyone except for the less-qualified worker who is bypassed for the job. When Group Leader...

Off-time activity: is it the company's business?(Human side)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Group Leader Ed Hampton (all names disguised) was miffed, to understate his reaction. A conscientious hardworking supervisor, he put in his 40+ hours. What he did on his own time was his own business. Or was it? The problem was that...

Can you bypass a dud for promotion?(Human side)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Maintenance Supervisor Frank Nichols told Charley Bean, his assistant, "Three guesses. Who do you think put in a bid for mechanic grade I?" "Beats me," Charley said. "Joel Seaman." "You have got to be kidding." "Seaman's the...

Who gets trained? What is fair when change takes place?(Human side)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... When the management of a New England company decided to computerize certain plant operations, a memo was posted on the bulletin board. Included was the information that a comprehensive program was being planned to train qualified employees in...

Can bulletin board be used as propaganda tool?(Human side)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... One day Unit Delegate Art Crystal decided that management was exceeding its bonds, becoming too hard-nosed and restrictive. He had a point. The number of grievances had been increasing steadily. A couple of the shop stewards agreed. "The...

Excessive absence: where do you draw the line?(Human side)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Maintenance Supervisor John Bogue told Harry Vaughn, his assistant, "There's got to be a limit." Vaughn agreed. The reference was to Carl Demarest, a Grade II mechanic whose absenteeism had grown out of hand. Nor was Demarest the only one....

Newly created job: how do you evaluate it?(Human side)
October 1, 2004... In response to the introduction of several new instruments to the lab and elsewhere within the past year, a new job classification. Special Instrument Mechanic, was announced. Bids were made for the job, and Joe Pffening won out, mostly on the...

Military man reemployed at his own request?(Human side)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Ten years ago, Jeff Valdez found his machine repairman job at an automotive parts plant boring and enlisted in the Navy. But 10 yr was enough, he decided. He wanted to get back to his hometown. When Valdez requested and was granted a discharge,...

Using maintenance as a strategic business asset.(Management side)
October 1, 2004... To become an accomplished golfer, a number of distinct skills are needed. Divided very basically, you need a strong short game and a strong long game--that is, you need to be able to drive the ball and putt the ball equally well. After...

Basics of testing flame detectors: Part 2.(Plant electronics)
October 1, 2004... Editor's note: This is the second of a two-part series on how to test and troubleshoot various types of industrial flame detectors. The first part appeared in the September issue. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Most older flame combustion...

Should PLCs be networked?(Plant Automation)(programmable logic controllers)
October 1, 2004... KEY CONCEPTS * PLCs should be networked only if there are sound business and technical reasons for it. * There is a real need for real information in real time. * Take advantage of your existing infrastructure as much as possible....

Specifying inplant trailers.(Material Handling)
October 1, 2004... KEY CONCEPTS * Intended loads and trailability are prime considerations. * Tracking is determined primarily by steering type. * Wheels may be the most important performance factor. ********** Trailers may look alike at...

Analyzing true costs of galvanizing structural steel.(Coatings)
October 1, 2004... KEY CONCEPTS * Data indicate that zinc prevents corrosion of the base steel far better than other surface treatments. * Hot-dip galvanized steel is protected from corrosion in three ways. * Hot-dip galvanized steel offers a...

Energy conservation measures for air distribution and HVAC systems.(HVAC)
October 1, 2004... KEY CONCEPTS * Convert fans from constant volume to variable volume. * Use evaporative cooling wherever possible. * Convert steam heaters to gas-fired heaters. ********** Energy conservation measures are modifications that...

Demo program considerations.(Special Report: Software)(Editorial)
October 1, 2004... The team your plant selected to specify the next software investment, which could require a significant outlay of capital dollars, is looking to you for a recommendation. Your opinion is critical to the team's decision. Where do you start? ...

Multichannel controller.(Instruments and controls: Products)
October 1, 2004... ConsoliDator multichannel controllers come in four and eight-channel versions and feature an easy-to-read backlit LCD that shows inputs alphanumerically as well as a bar graph on one master input screen. Individual screens provide greater...

Mobile power quality analyzer.(Instruments and controls: Products)
October 1, 2004... The 430 series 3-phase handheld power quality analyzer has a trending function that records everything on the screen automatically, and a system monitor that provides a diagnosis of system performance against user-defined limits. Stored data...

Wireless DP transmitter.(Instruments and controls: Products)
October 1, 2004... Model WIDP wireless differential pressure (DP) transmitter can be operated as DP, orifice flow, open channel flow, or level transmitter. Features wireless transmission range of up to 3000 ft, battery life of up to 5 yr, bolt on brackets, and...

Force and weight measurement.(Instruments and controls: Products)
October 1, 2004... SWO load cell and TM0-2 amplifier/conditioner make up a system suitable for industrial force and weighing applications. Load cell is constructed from stainless steel and is available in ranges from 1000 to 50,000 lb. Amplifier provides...

Watertight enclosures.(Instruments and controls: Products)
October 1, 2004... Premier series line of enclosures are made of fiberglass, feature poured polyurethane seamless gaskets for watertight and dustproof seals, and are well suited for mounting instruments and controls. Opaque, hinged cover models with pull latches...

Humidity/temperature transmitter.(Instruments and controls: Products)
October 1, 2004... HX94 relative humidity/temperature transmitter provides a reliable and low-cost method for duct or wall-mount monitoring applications. The transmitter is ideal for HVAC applications. Solid-state sensors provide excellent sensitivity, fast...

Single-display temperature controllers.(Instruments and controls: Products)
October 1, 2004... ETR-3000 and ETR-9000 temperature controllers feature bumpless transfer, digital communications, and regulated power supply output with 5, 12, and 20 Vdc models designed to drive various sensors or transmitters. ETR-3000 is NEMA 4X 1/32 DIN....

Handheld code readers.(Instruments and controls: Products)
October 1, 2004... DataMan 6400 and DataMan 6500 handheld readers combine high-speed processing with optimized lighting, optics, and software for fast, accurate decoding of 1-D and 2-D codes. The DataMan 6400 is designed for reading codes produced by laser and...

Hot runner controllers.(Instruments and controls: Products)
October 1, 2004... RMB and RMC series of main-frame-style hot runner controllers accept J or K-type thermocouples. RMB allows users to view process temperature and current reading simultaneously. Controller is designed for runnerless molding applications. RMC...

NFPA and IEEE collaborate.(Electrical: News)(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)(National Fire Protection Association)(Arc flash phenomena)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) have agreed to work on an initiative to fund and support research and testing to increase the understanding of the arc flash...

NEMA and NECA working on 2nd joint NEIS.(Electrical: News)(National Electrical Manufacturers Association)(National Electrical Contractors Association)(National Electrical Installation Standard)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... NECA/NEMA 605, Nonmetallic Underground Utility Duct will be the second standard jointly developed by National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Currently out to American National...

Critical Power Competency Center launched.(Electrical: News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Schneider Electric has launched its Critical Power Competency Center (CPCC) to solve problems that affect mission-critical end users of electrical power by providing customized power distribution and management expertise tailored to the...

Switch relay.(Electrical: Products)
October 1, 2004... Latching Switch Relay (LSR) can be used for latching, reclosing, or a programming relay for local or remote SCADA-compatible switch. Relay can open, close, and maintain up to 20 normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) contacts. ...

Adjustable speed drive.(Electrical: Products)
October 1, 2004... SECO SV3000 ac adjustable speed flux vector drive performs like a dc drive but can be used with equipment driven by conventional ac drives. Drive features NEMA 4/12 enclosures through 40 hp, and line fuses standard through 100 hp. Danaher...

Turbine generators.(Electrical: Products)
October 1, 2004... GPB family of turbine generators produces power outputs from 1072 to 17,000 kW and heat recovery from 11.1 to 79.4 MBtu/hr for onsite power generating applications. Units feature high efficiency, low emissions, compact design, and multifuel...

Cordset components.(Electrical: Literature)
October 1, 2004... Cordset Components and Precision Metal Stampings products catalog provides product schematic illustrations and specifications. The table of contents offers easy reference to blade, ground pin, and terminal land connector groupings. Heyco...

Electromechanical products.(Electrical: Literature)
October 1, 2004... Bulletin AU01-5000/US contains a CD with more than 2000 pp of technical information covering products required to design, specify, and order systems for machine automation. Products include HMI, motion controllers, drives, unique motor...

Motor products catalog.(Electrical: Literature)
October 1, 2004... Stock Catalog 1050, 2004 edition, provides 220-pp of details on motors, gearmotors, gearboxes, and accessories. New items include stainless steel motors, pump motors, ac drives, expanded line of NEMA premium motors, and expanded product lines....

Industrial pumps.(Fluid handling: Training)
October 1, 2004... The course, Reliability & Maintenance of Industrial Pumps, teaches people to learn how to stop repairing pumps. It is designed toward the understanding of centrifugal pumps and systems to gain maximum efficiency and life from the equipment. The...

Pump control.(Fluid handling: Products)
October 1, 2004... PumpSmart Model 200 Version 4.0 is a microprocessor-based, variable speed drive, programmed specifically for centrifugal pumps up to 700 hp. This version has features that improve pump reliability and performance by protecting the pump from...

High-flow valve.(Fluid handling: Products)
October 1, 2004... Mark 100 globe control valve is designed for improved capacity, extra-fine control, and easy maintenance. It delivers higher capacity, up to 15%, in a smaller valve in sizes from 6 to 16 in. and pressure classes from 150 to 600. Applications...

Burst sensor.(Fluid handling: Products)
October 1, 2004... BA Series rupture disk burst sensor operates at low pressures and works in conjunction with rupture disks and relief valves. The sensor is compatible with virtually any DCS system and operates at pressures as low as 1 psi and temperatures up to...

Machine coolant filter.(Fluid handling: Products)
October 1, 2004... MCF mechanically cleaned filter uses a magnetically coupled drive that moves the cleaning disk without the need for external shaft or drive seals. The design reduces maintenance costs and eliminates leakage. The simplified filter design, which...

Pipe clamp.(Fluid handling: Products)
October 1, 2004... CADDY MICROFIX easy-close pipe clamp is an innovative, time-saving device that can be used with iron pipe or copper tubing. The unique hinged design eliminates the need to disassemble the clamp prior to installation. A setscrew catches in a...

Pump strainer.(Fluid handling: Products)
October 1, 2004... Lid-Ease strainers are specifically designed to protect pump systems by capturing solids and foreign materials. High differential pressures are accommodated by a perforated stainless steel basket, which supports an inner stainless steel screen....

Knife gate valves.(Fluid handling: Literature)
October 1, 2004... A 10-p, full color, brochure provides technical information on knife gate valves. The Series G features a robust design with stainless steel wetted parts and a machined gate. The Flexgate has an all-elastomer seat and a flush port for easy...

Wastewater guide.(Fluid handling: Literature)
October 1, 2004... The 8-p Water & Wastewater Industry Guide is a quick reference tool that offers valuable advice on air, gas, and liquid measurement, monitoring, and control techniques. Precision thermal sensing technology is the ideal answer in a wide range of...

Safe hydraulics.(Power transmission: Suggestions)
October 1, 2004... Qualified organizations can request a free Safe Hydraulics Seminar given by a trained instructor. The two-hour seminar covers inspection procedures, troubleshooting, hose performance characteristics, hose and coupling selection, hose assembly...

Pneumatics explained.(Power transmission: Training)
October 1, 2004... An online educational program, Fundamentals of Pneumatics, is designed to introduce the basics of pneumatics technology to industrial personnel. The program is available at www.nfpa.com. Click on "Education." The program introduces basic...

Pump bearings.(Power transmission: Products)
October 1, 2004... MRC Series 5200C and 5300C double-row, angular contact ball bearings are ideal for use as primary thrust bearings in ANSI standard centrifugal pumps or in any other application where positioning of the shaft is important and the ability to...

Pressure reducers.(Power transmission: Products)
October 1, 2004... Piston-type pressure regulators have low internal volume to allow rapid purging and limits the amount of surface area exposed to contamination. The design mechanically restricts the piston when the regulator is exposed to excess pressure. Ten...

Brakes easy to install.(Power transmission: Products)
October 1, 2004... MagnaShear electric motor brakes use oil-shear dependability to overcome short wear life and high maintenance costs of dry-friction brakes. The Quick-Mount brakes come filled with oil, ready to mount, with no disassembly required. For even...

Fan bearings.(Power transmission: Products)
October 1, 2004... CARB toroidal roller bearings perform ideally as nonlocating bearings in self-aligning bearing systems for fans. These compact radial bearings enhance fan reliability and life by offering solutions to problems associated with traditional...

Shaft mount reducers.(Power transmission: Literature)
October 1, 2004... A 64-p catalog, TTP-04, provides comprehensive selection information, including AGMA service selection charts, overhung and thrust capacities, and full dimensional data. Application-specific accessories for screw conveyor drives, hydraulic...

Mini pneumatic catalog.(Power transmission: Literature)
October 1, 2004... A 400-p, full line catalog includes features, specifications, color photographs, and technical drawings for a line of over 5000 standard pneumatic products. Products are divided into main product categories: cylinders, control valves,...

Dust collector stays on-line.(HVAC: Products)
October 1, 2004... Model BDC dust collector is a self-cleaning, continuous-duty system available in eight sizes to fit a wide variety of requirements. Pulse-jet cleaning pulses-off captured dust and cleans the filter while the system remains online. With minimal...

Speed-controlled fans.(HVAC: Products)
October 1, 2004... KH Series fans feature a 100% speed-controlled, external rotor motor and backward curved impellers made of aluminum. Impeller diameters range from 9.84 to 27.95 in. The closed motor offers Class IP 44 protection against humidity, with...

Small heat exchangers.(HVAC: Products)
October 1, 2004... Brazepak heat exchangers are designed for applications requiring high performance in a small size. A special brazing process is used to bond 316 stainless steel plates, which feature a corrugated design for maximum turbulation and high heat...

High-efficiency air filters.(HVAC: Products)
October 1, 2004... V-bank Durafil air filters combine energy efficiency and long service life with plastic construction to reduce weight and resist corrosion. The filter is available in four high efficiencies: MERV 11, 13, 14, and 16 based on ASHRAE 52.2 (60-65%,...

IAQ monitor.(HVAC: Products)
October 1, 2004... A complete indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring solution combines HOBO data loggers with a Telaire 7001 carbon dioxide (C[O.sub.2]) monitor. It can measure and record C[O.sub.2] along with temperature and relative humidity in a broad range of...

Cool loading docks.(HVAC: Products)
October 1, 2004... Dock Door Heat Relief System cools loading docks by directly evaporating fine water droplets into the environment, causing a reduction in ambient temperature and stabilizing relative humidity. The system uses pumps and controls with ventilators...

Literature guide: the showcase for catalogs, CD's, websites, and new literature.
October 1, 2004... Motor Protection SymCom's four-color literature features a company overview, customer-focused philosophy, product descriptions and photos, wiring diagrams, charts, dimensional data, and selection criteria. For a free catalog or product...

At a glance.(Solutions)
October 1, 2004... PROBLEM: Checking liquid levels and sight gauges is not always easy because of location or lighting problems. How can a gauge be made easier to read? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOLUTION: Use automotive pin striping to mark high/low or...

Sticky fittings.(Solutions)
October 1, 2004... PROBLEM: Piping that has been in place for a long time can be difficult to remove. How can the pipes and fittings be easily dismantled? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOLUTION: Strike the fitting with a hammer while holding a second, larger...

Clean file.(Solutions)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... PROBLEM: Often, when doing a lot of filing, the file clogs up and is difficult to clean. Is there a way to prevent this from happening? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOLUTION: Rub welders soap stone (chalk) on the file before using it. The...