Plant Engineering articles from October 2005

Plant Engineering archives from October 2005

Hurricane Katrina help online.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... As recovery efforts from the effects of Hurricane Katrina continue, the best resources for the latest news and information on how to help and how to stay safe can be found on www.plantengineering.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Website...

Power Quality Webcast airs on Nov. 15.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... As if electrical costs weren't enough of a problem for plant engineers, the quality of power--whether generated onsite, purchased from the utility or both--is a serious issue for many manufacturers. What can plant engineers and managers do to...

Making Kellysearch work for you.(Kellysearch)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... PLANT ENGINEERING Supplier Search has been created for the exclusive use of PLANT ENGINEERING'S audience and can be found at www.plantengineering.com. Kellysearch, the premier B2B search engine available globally, is essential in sourcing...

Hurricane Katrina job assistance sites.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The National Association of Manufacturers has partnered with Monster.com to create a customized Website to help survivors, volunteers, public and private sector employers, and volunteer organizations post and find jobs, volunteer time, and...

Insulation thickness evaluator a click away.(North American Insulation Manufacturers Association has launched its updated version of 3E Plus)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association has launched its updated version of 3E Plus, an insulation thickness computer program that calculates the amount of insulation needed to use less energy, reduce air emissions and improve...

Sprechen sie CAD.(often demonstration version)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Bentley Systems' BE Careers Network has expanded its offer of free MicroStation PowerDraft CAD software to all students and instructors to include versions in the following nine languages: simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Czech,...

Hard lessons from the Big Easy.(disaster from nature, be safe)
October 1, 2005... First comes the storm. Then comes the media, and a second storm erupts. Then, when the water and the TV crews and the volunteers and the president have all receded, when the fingers stop being pointed and the bottled water has been passed out...

Lots happening in Topeka, too.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... Having read about Kansas City's initiatives in your article "Dreaming of the Future" (July 2005, Cover Story, page 50), I wanted to share with your readers how Goodyear in nearby Topeka, KS, is addressing the problem of an aging skilled...

Which way is the current flowing?(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... I noticed that a portion of the referenced article (August 2005, Plant Electronics, "Supplying power for electronic circuits," page 39) contains a couple of potentially confusing diagrams. Both Figures 1 and 2 depict 'current flow' in the...

Simple but accurate.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... Thanks for writing a simple, but accurate description of how a power supply works (August 2005, Plant Electronics, "Supplying power for electronic circuits," page 39). I am sure many people stopped and read that informative article. It caught...

Tips and Tricks fans offer their own ideas.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... I enjoyed the August issues Tips & Tricks review (Page 43). One of the tips was a method for removing bushings from a blind hole using a tap. I have another method that I think is a lot easier. I learned this as a way to pull pilot bushings...

Please consider this trick.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... Sometimes when drilling a hole in a wall we are surprised to drill an inlaid water pipe. What to do? First close the water valve for this pipe, then just find a self tapping screw that is slightly larger than the hole, use a generous amount of...

Blame job losses, not fewer engineers.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... The conclusion that GE's Jeff Immelt reached--and with which Bob Vavra seem to concur (August 2005, Comment, Page 9) that the lack of engineering graduates is killing manufacturing--is, in my opinion, faulty. Regardless of what industry reports...

Foszcz retires from 'second' career as editor.(Plant engineering)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Most of us are perfectly happy with one career that sustains us and fulfills us and for which we receive a modest level of recognition. Joe Foszcz has had two. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Our senior-most senior editor retires in October...

ABB reorganizes business structure.(ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... ABB has announced a reorganization of its core business units in what the company says is a move to improve business operations. The current two core divisions, Power Technologies and Automation Technologies, will be eliminated, and their...

Chem Show offers new products, technologies.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... New products and technologies, larger pavilions and a variety of educational conference sessions are among the features expected to attract more than 10,000 process industries professionals during the 2005 Chem Show, Nov. 1 through Nov. 3 at...

Study finds low power ac drive market growing.(FORUM)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The low power ac drive market experienced robust growth in 2004, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study, "Low Power ac drive worldwide outlook." The low power ac drive market crossed the $5 billion mark in 2004 and is expected to grow at...

Fluke acquires Infrared systems.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Fluke Electronics Corp., Everett, WA, has agreed to acquire Infrared Solutions, a provider of portable thermography products. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Plymouth, MN, Infrared Solutions is privately owned and recognized as an...

Wonderware a Gold Partner with Microsoft.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys Systems Inc., has achieved Gold Certified Partner level in the Microsoft Partner Program. The Microsoft and Invensys alliance was established to combine Invensys' strengths in process and...

Steel wire industry struggles as lubricating oil shines.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Inflation in operating materials and supplies has taken off, but the way that any single supplier handles the situation varies widely. Consider the vastly different outcomes in the steel wire and lubricating oil industries. [GRAPHIC...

Price/cost/demand roundup.(Illustration)
October 1, 2005... Price/cost/demand roundup Operating Materials & AVERAGE PRODUCT PRICES (1) DIRECT MANUFACTURING Supplies % CHANGE DURING 12 MONTHS COSTS (2) AND ENDING MARGINS...

Effective hiring practices saves trouble down the line.(Personnel Policy Service, Inc)(Interview)
October 1, 2005... "It's recruitment time and the stakes are high. So states HR Matters, published by Personnel Policy Service, Inc. The report goes on to cite an industry rule of thumb that asserts hiring the wrong person can be expected to cost three times the...

FAT results from Lean implementation.
October 1, 2005... Lean management is an adaptive system of continuous improvement of multiple, interconnected processes. The Lean process begins with setting goals that are directed by the company strategy. Gap analysis identifies the most critical business...

New filtration technology keeps cooling tower water clean.(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2005... www.orival.com Every cooling tower has its unique dirt conditions, space constraints and other special characteristics. Filtration systems must take these into account in order to maintain particle free water. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Identify barriers to effective maintenance programs.(MAINTENANCE CONNECTION)
October 1, 2005... With the O&M spotlight occupying center stage, it is instructive to look at some industry-wide maintenance history of the past three decades, especially with respect to some of the more classic maintenance problems that we need to address. It...

Ethernet at the tipping point: reducing the risk of change.(AUTOMATION CONNECTION)
October 1, 2005... The moment when more people want the benefit of new technology than fear the cost of change is called the tipping point. That moment has come for Ethernet as a device-level network. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This year's introduction of...

Out with the old: planning helps manage electrical system upgrade.
October 1, 2005... An annual or semiannual plant shutdown gives maintenance staff time to repair equipment, retool for a new production run or even wax and seal the floors. Plant facilities are upgraded or equipment is overhauled during these planned shutdowns....

NEMA releases revised polyethylene conduit standard.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has released TC 7-2005, "Smooth-Wall Coilable Electrical Polyethylene Conduit," which has been revised for the first time since 2000. This standard covers the following types of electrical...

"Quick quote".(UPDATE)
October 1, 2005... "We're in favor of energy efficiency, but we're in favor of national standards rather than a patchwork quilt of standards that vary from state to state" --Evan Gaddis, NEMA president

States adopting new revision of National Electrical Code.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Jurisdictions throughout the United States are moving quickly to adopt the 2005 edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. Since the 50th edition of the code was issued by NFPA late last year, it has been adopted and used in 14 states. ...

Select the right industrial Ethernet device for the job.(AUTOMATION ENGINEERING)
October 1, 2005... If you have ever opened the closet in your office where some of the IT equipment is installed, you will find many 19-inch rack-mounted Ethernet devices. Typically, each device has from 24 to 64 ports, or Ethernet connections. The entire rack...

NASA-funded program helps manufacturer eliminate hazard.(Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program)(National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
October 1, 2005... With assistance from the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP), a new concept in visual flow measurements promises to eliminate a workplace hazard in the petrochemical field and other industrial applications. Process Level...

"Quick quote".(UPDATE)
October 1, 2005... "SATOP introduced me to expertise and engineering that I could never have afforded." --Wade Donehue, owner, Process Level Technology.

ABB, Intergraph pen cooperative agreement.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... ABB, Inc. and Intergraph Corp. have signed a cooperative marketing and distribution agreement to support the developed integration between SmartPlant Instrumentation and System 800xA, along with a memorandum of understanding for current and...

Improved pump efficiency goes right to the bottom line.
October 1, 2005... If we were told that we could lower our home energy bills by up to 50%, most of us would jump at the opportunity. That could mean an extra $1,000 in our pockets, instead of in the pocket of the utility company--a significant annual saving. ...

ISA speakers to cover wide range of topics.(UPDATE)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Automation and control professionals will gather in Chicago Oct. 25 through Oct. 27 for ISA Expo 2005 at McCormick Place. Besides being a venue for the exchange of ideas and a chance to preview the latest innovations, ISA also will offer a...

Quick quote.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... "The business sector will be one of the heroes (in the Hurricane Katrina recovery). Government at every level will play a part in the recovery. The roads and bridges and public buildings will be rebuilt, but there will be no massive federal...

Nilfisk offering free onsite assessment.(Nilfisk-Advance America Inc)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Industrial vacuum cleaner manufacturer Nilfisk-Advance America announces the launch of its new free onsite needs assessment service. The free assessment delivers a comprehensive evaluation of existing cleaning processes, identifies outstanding...

Take charge of your battery maintenance.
October 1, 2005... Batteries! You either love them or hate them. There is no in between. You love them for the convenience of being able to carry around electronic devices without being tethered to an electrical cord. Or you hate them because they seem to fail at...

Invensys, SmartSignal expand partnership.(UPDATE)
October 1, 2005... Foxboro, MA-based Invensys Process Systems and SmartSignal Corp. in Lisle, IL have signed an expanded strategic resale and services partnership agreement, which enables Invensys to fully employ SmartSignal's EPI*Center technology as an integral...

Registration open for NA 2006 conference.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... When the 2006 Material Handling & Logistics Show and Conference, known as NA 2006, opens its doors on March 27 at Cleveland's I-X Center, it will include an educational conference featuring a free executive forum that will provide expertise...

Building automation market eyes solid growth.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The worldwide building automation systems market continues to grow at a steady rate in both developing and developed countries, the worldwide market for bas is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of nearly 5% over the next five...

Data historian.
October 1, 2005... OSIsoft's embedded component historian object, (ECHO), enables developers to create an embedded data historian supporting Microsoft Windows CE.NET 4.2 in addition to the high-end server machines already supported. It provides developers an...

Controller.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... Omega's PHUCN600 and PHUTX600 Series are packaged in NEMA 4X polycarbonate enclosure for heavy-duty applications such as industrial wastewater neutralization, municipal water and wastewater, pulp and paper and process control. The PHUCN600...

Blasting helmet.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... The Nova 2000 blasting helmet from Allegro is made of high-density polyethylene that meets the penetration requirements of ANSI 289.1. It features foam padding, Velcro-mounted for easy removal and cleaning. The large double lens, with optional...

Data management.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... The "DataDustOff" service from Rizzir allows customers to send their inventory data to Rizzer, where the data is evaluated and inconsistencies are corrected. Benefits include standardized naming of all parts, reduced emergency purchasing, and...

FOUNDATION fieldbus guide.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... The guide to Installation Technology for FOUNDATION fieldbus provides detailed benefits, technical data and function information for Pepperl+Fuchs complete FleldConnex family of FOUNDATION fieldbus solutions, including power supplies, power...

Distribution boxes.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... Plug-in M12 distribution boxes from Norstat Inc. expedite cable routing, ends cabling confusion and helps reduce maintenance chores. The boxes are available in 4, 6 or 8 position models and are offered in either 4-pin or 5-pin versions. Boxes...

Console drawer.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... The DMK 590 switch from Acme Portable Machines, Inc. is an industrial mounted console drawer with a slim KVM switch, keyboard, mouse and 17-inch monitor that folds down to fit into a 1U high slot of a 19-inch rack system. The new switch can...

Product datasheets.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... Thermo Electron Corp. has developed a new datasheet aimed at the chemical and petrochemical industries to provide an overview of the capabilities of its flagship LIMS, SampleManager. This free document is available to download in pdf format....

Electronic ballasts.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... The Microstar family of lighting solutions from Universal Lighting Technologies makes it practical to use electronic ballasts in applications where magnetic ballasts are traditionally installed. The line includes ballasts for 7 to 26 Watt CFL...

Spray run.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... The CU150A spray gun from Spraying Systems Co. is a low pressure spray gun ideal for cleaning and sanitizing applications. It provides precise control and is lightweight and designed to reduce operator fatigue. It also offers a variable spray...

Infrared thermometer.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... The Fluke 68IS Infrared Thermometer is a non-contact thermometer designed for reliability and added user safety when measuring surface temperature in potentially explosive or flammable environments. With a temperature range of -25 to 1400...

Variable frequency drives.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... The Danfoss platform VLT 5000 Series variable frequency drives extend the product range of the VLT 5000 Series and provides increased flexibility, cost-effectiveness and reliability. The VLT 5000 Series drives are available in 125-500 hp...

Portable power distribution.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... Leviton has expanded its line of The Box portable power distribution centers with the addition of two new cost-effective models for applications where GFCI protection is not needed for every connection. The PB101-000 model includes one 50A...

Rod actuator.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... The CRES high thrust rod actuator from THK offers operating efficiency, while a low voltage dc motor (DC12V[+ or -]15%) reduces energy consumption. The CRES has a maximum stroke of 130mm, make it suitable for a variety of non-traditional...

Fiber optic sensor.(NEW PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2005... Banner Engineering Corp. has introduced its D10 Series family of compact, DIN-rail-mountable fiber optic sensors. Available in three distinctly different models, the D10 Expert with Numeric Display; D10 Expert with Bargraph Display; and D10...

Demonstration CD-ROM.(Literature Guide)
October 1, 2005... Free CD-ROM describes the application of the company's software. The CD contains slide show and demonstrations for software used to draw and evaluate piping systems and design and re-rate pressure vessels and oil storage tanks. Tele:...

Motor protection.(Literature Guide)
October 1, 2005... 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 information contact the...

New! The Vaisala HUMICAP[R].(Literature Guide)
October 1, 2005... Humidity and Temperature Transmitter Series HMT330 developed for demanding industrial applications features a large, numerical and graphical display with multilingual interface for monitoring measurement trends for one year. Six models offer...

Sensing, switching, signaling, safety.(Literature Guide)
October 1, 2005... Tapeswitch catalog features * Sensing Edges and Bumpers * Pressure-Sensitive Safety Mats * Ribbon Switches * Fail-safe Controllers * Light Curtains Innovative products for machine guarding, personnel protection, and...

Sullair's Guide to AirMetrix[SM] Products and Services.(Literature Guide)
October 1, 2005... Sullair Corporation has released its comprehensive Guide to AirMetrix[SM] Products and Services. AirMetrix[SM] solutions help reduce energy costs and improve productivity by managing and controlling total compressed air systems. The 24-page...

AutomationDirect[R] 2005 catalog.(Literature Guide)
October 1, 2005... AutomationDirect's 2005 free catalog offers 5500 industrial automation products for incredible prices. The expanded 1800-page volume features product descriptions, photos, technical information and price lists for PLCs, AC drives/motors,...

SERIES V enhanced design VFD Cable!(Literature Guide)
October 1, 2005... When It Comes To Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Cables... Round Is Definitely Better! Alpha Wire's round geometry INDUSTRIAL SERIES - SERIES V VFD Cables are clearly different and better than traditional convoluted cables. Acceptable for use...

Washington.(Robert W. Campbell Award won by Johnson and Johnson)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Johnson & Johnson earns Robert W. Campbell Award The National Safety Council announced that Johnson & Johnson is the 2005 recipient of its Robert W. Campbell Award. Donna M. Cappizzi, Director Worldwide Health and Safety of Johnson &...

Washington.
October 1, 2005... OSHA fines BP Products $21 million for plant blast BP Products North America Inc. has agreed to pay more than $21 million in penalties for safety and health violations following an investigation of a fatal explosion at its Texas City, TX...

OSHA mobilizes to respond to Hurricane Katrina aftermath.(A VIEW FROM WASHINGTON)
October 1, 2005... As part of the U.S. Department of Labor's response to Hurricane Katrina, OSHA has deployed safety and health professionals to Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to provide technical assistance to recovery workers in their ongoing efforts along...