Plant Engineering articles from October 2006

Plant Engineering archives from October 2006

Positive safety programs preserve a few good men.(occupational safety)
October 1, 2006... Bob Vavra, Editor In the climactic scene of the movie "A Few Good Men" Col. Nathan Jessep and defense lawyer Daniel Kaffee are sparring over the military chain of command when Jessep barks, "We follow orders, son. We follow orders or...

Safety: Right to the bottom line.(occupational safety and health management)
October 1, 2006... By Kevin Campbell, Senior Editor Keeping employees from getting hurt on the job protects human, financial assets When it comes to safety, some companies take a traditional approach: do no more than finding out what the Occupational...

Surge suppression takes the bite out of transients.
October 1, 2006... By Carey Mossop, Eaton Corp. Voltage transients are just one of those things you may not give a lot of thought to until they've done their worst. Taking preventive measures will put transients in their place and allow you to rest easier....

Security, safety and irreverence among ISA EXPO 2006 highlights.
October 1, 2006... By Staff If you have a few choice words about your automation or instrumentation vendors, their products or services, you won't want to miss the Birds of a Feather Roundtables on Tues., Oct. 17 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at ISA EXPO 2006...

Invensys earns SCP re-cert, again.(Invensys Process Systems' Global Product Support group gets Support Center Practices certification )(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... By Staff Invensys Process Systems announced that its Foxboro, MA-based Global Product Support group has achieved certification under the prestigious Support Center Practices certification program for the fourth consecutive year. SCP...

Schneider Electric launches Motion Competency Center.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The North American Operating Division of Schneider Electric announced the launch of the Schneider Electric Motion Competency Center, with headquarters in Plymouth, MI. Schneider Electric is drawing on the motion control expertise...

Engler appointed to advisory committee on export controls.(John Engler)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... By Staff NAM president John Engler has been appointed by Carlos Gutierrez, Commerce Secretary, to the Department of Commerce's new Advisory Committee on Deemed Export Controls. The advisory panel will develop recommendations for...

Graybar posts double-digit growth.(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... By Staff Graybar posted 19.7% growth in the first half of 2006 - to $2.45 billion - compared to the same period last year. The company also reported an operating income increase of 68% over the first half of 2005. Graybar is a distributor...

Cote honored by AFSA.(Arthur E. Cote gets American Fire Sprinkler Association's Henry S. Parmelee Award)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... By Staff Arthur E. Cote, executive vice president and chief engineer of the National Fire Protection Association and vice-chairman of the board of directors of the American National Standards Institute, has been honored with the Henry S....

Engineers to speak on Hurricane Katrina and the future of New Orleans.(Tulane University's Robert G. Watts organizes a conference)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... By Staff With the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina here and gone, a professor of mechanical engineering at Tulane University does not want the disastrous event to slip from the national consciousness. To that end, Robert G....

Letters to the editor.(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2006... By Staff The "A View from Washington" column in the September 2006 edition of PLANT ENGINEERING by John Engler was titled "Sleepwalking schools are failing U.S. industry." While I agree with Mr. Engler's view on the condition of...

New products submissions now accepted for 2007 AHR Expo Innovation Award.
October 1, 2006... By Staff Submissions are now being accepted for the 2007 AHR Expo Innovation Awards Program. The fifth annual competition, which is sponsored by the International Exposition Company, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and...

ISO publishes supply chain security guidelines.(International Organization for Standardization, occupational safety standards)
October 1, 2006... By Staff In an effort to help secure global supply chains, ISO has two reference documents in the ISO 28000 family of standards for supply chain security. These documents help implement the recently published ISO/PAS 28000:2005,...

Making Lean results visible at Industries for the Blind.(lean manufacturing cut costs, improve productivity and increase profitability at Industries for the Blind)(North Carolina State University's Industrial Extension Service grant funds to the nonprofit organization)
October 1, 2006... By Jim Daggerhart, Industrial Extension Service, North Carolina State University Lean training and implementation involves a lot of visual techniques to bring about process improvements. However, Industries for the Blind (IFB) in...

An ounce of prevention for critical equipment.(plant engineering, equipment maintenance)
October 1, 2006... By Daniel J. Szoch, The Timken Company Rotating equipment can deliver optimal performance and long life reliability if installed, maintained and operated properly. Increasingly, condition monitoring devices - part of the family of options...

Preventing injury and death with lockout/tagout procedures.(maintenance or repair of machines and equipment)
October 1, 2006... By Dan Vega, Thomas & Betts Among the risks facing people working with powered equipment is exposure to the uncontrolled release of hazardous energy during the installation, maintenance, service or repair of the equipment, which includes...

Humidity control improves productivity, cuts waste.
October 1, 2006... By Pierre Husson, Husson, Inc. Dirt, dust and debris cling to plastic sheets. Previously-inspected electronic components don't work. Wood parts twist and warp. Paper and cardboard shrink and warp, jamming equipment. Glue...

Creating empowerment teams helps multiply productivity.
October 1, 2006... By Arnold L. Most, Hudson Valley Technology Development Center With increasing globalization of the U.S. economy and the world, and the impacts of technology, to survive today a company must learn to handle, manage and support necessary...

Magnetic flowmeter.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The FMG3000 series magnetic flowmeter is an insertion-style magnetic flow sensor with no moving parts. All versions are constructed of corrosion-resistant materials to provide long-term reliability with minimal maintenance costs....

Magnetostrictive position sensor.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The R-series SSI output sensor includes options for synchronized 7,500 kHz update rates and position accuracy as low as [+ or -]20 microns. The company's proprietary synchronization technology is said to guarantee accurate...

Heavy-duty checkweigher.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The Model 4693-R heavy-duty checkweigher is available in models ranging from 4 to 5-feet long and can run at speeds of up to 100 feet per minute. A pneumatically-operated, heavy-duty reject ram is located directly off the side of...

Escape route marking material.
October 1, 2006... By Staff This Strontium vinyl material is designed for use in escape route markings. Capable of glowing for more than 20 hours, the material facilitates an effective system to aid in safe evacuations. It is available in rolls and sheets...

Ceramic ball bearings.
October 1, 2006... By Staff Suitable for use in harsh environments where high temperatures and corrosive substances are present, ceramic ball bearings are made of a highly manufactured material similar to the heat-absorbing tiles on the space shuttle. They...

Rotary torque sensor.
October 1, 2006... By Staff Model 01424 series sensor incorporates a digital wireless system and features reduced electrical noise, a 1,000-Hz frequency response and a 10,000 rpm speed rating. The sensor is designed to measure rotational torque using a...

Mass flow sensors.
October 1, 2006... By Staff With better than [+ or -]1.5% linearity (full scale) and 0.5% repeatability (full scale), the model 50 series of mass flow sensors provides flow measurement for fuel cell technologies. Capable of being calibrated for hydrogen or...

Particulate monitor.
October 1, 2006... By Staff Model EM 70 particulate monitoring system is designed for cyclone overflow detection, chocking and efficiency monitoring. Its ability to operate in moist process environments makes the unit suitable for cyclone filter outlet...

Paint finishing.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The paint finishing line is designed especially for architectural panels and assemblies. The line can handle component sizes up to 3x8x24 feet and is automated with integral parts dry-off and curing ovens. Lead times can be...

Modular machine platform.
October 1, 2006... By Staff IndraMotion MLD merges drive functions, motion control and processing logic into an open automation platform for modular machine concepts. The drive-integrated motion and logic eliminates the need for higher-level controls,...

Molded-case circuit breakers.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The maximum standard amperage ratings range of the Square D Powerpact R-frame molded case circuit breakers has been extended to 3,000 A. With the range extension, the R-frame breakers can replace more bulky, insulated case...

Ground ball screws.
October 1, 2006... By Staff TCM precision ground ball screws incorporate a robust internal return system designed for durability and high performance in demanding, linear-actuation applications. The ball-screw assemblies enable precise positioning of moving...

Clamp-type collars.
October 1, 2006... By Staff Clamp-type collars are a suitable replacement for set-screw collars, which concentrate tightening pressure and can damage some materials. Featuring a smooth bore, the clamp-style collars can be used as stops or spacers, and for...

Flush cutter.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The LX-T micro-shear flush cutter features a precision tip that is tapered to reach into tight spaces and produce a clean, square cut on soft wire up to 20 AWG (0.8 mm). Designed with an ergonomic handle, cushioned rubber grips...

Wireless LAN solution.
October 1, 2006... By Staff Scalance W is a family of wireless products that provide access points, client modules and management tools, with enterprise-ready security features. The Scalance W family is designed for industrial use on the factory floor, where...

High-temperature heaters.
October 1, 2006... By Staff Ceramacast 646N is a high temperature ceramic potting compound that can be used for encapsulating and potting high-temperature, electrical resistance heaters used in consumer and industrial appliances to 3,000 F (1,650 C). It is...

Fuses.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The Edison line of fuses has been extended to include J, RK1 and RK5 classes, providing protection for motors, transformers and other inductive and heating loads. Current-limiting, fast-acting and time-delay fuses are available...

Performance monitoring system.
October 1, 2006... By Staff Capable of monitoring fluid concentration, pH, conductivity, temperature and real-time biologic activity in most water-based metalworking fluids, the company's performance monitoring system can monitor critical fluid parameters...

E-Smart tools.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The company has introduced a complete line of 'E-Smart' tools for use with electrical equipment. Screwdriver blades are machined from European chrome/molybdenum/vanadium steel and heat-treated to the highest possible hardness...

Long-nose pliers.
October 1, 2006... By Staff With its long handles and nose allowing greater access to hard-to-reach areas, the company's long-nose pliers provide holding power at the tip with minimal effort. The 45 and 90-degree bent nose pliers are designed to reach around...

Tool product catalog.
October 1, 2006... By Staff A 208-page catalog includes a variety of new products, such as locating equipment for the plumbing and utility markets. Featuring expanded product information, the catalog comes in full color, providing enhanced visuals of the...

Multi-pump dispensing system.
October 1, 2006... By Staff The GT multipump dispensing system allows simultaneous multiple liquid transfer stations to operate from a single compressor line with only 2 psi. The pumping system is designed to expand capability and streamline operations where...

Product of the Year balloting to be conducted electronically.(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... By Staff Beginning with the 2006 Product of the Year awards, PLANT ENGINEERING readers will be able to vote electronically for the first time. The finalists for the 2006 awards will be announced in the November issue of PLANT...

Safety Webcast is on Oct. 26.
October 1, 2006... By Staff Safe manufacturers reduce worker's compensation costs and improve productivity. For those who don't, the numbers are staggering: On-the-job injuries cost American companies $512 billion each year. "Safety - Right to the...

Brady Website offers compliance information.(www.bradyid.com )(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... By Staff Brady's new Website, www.bradyid.com , has been redesigned to offer access to company products, facilities and safety identification solutions. The redesigned, U.S. version of bradyid.com allows customers and distributors to...

ASHRAE launches redesigned Website.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... By Staff With a focus on ease of navigation and new technology, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers unveiled its redesigned Website, www.ASHRAE.org . An improved Website is a cornerstone of...

Helping small manufacturers understand the rules of safety.(occupational safety and health)
October 1, 2006... By Sherman Williamson, OSHA Department of Enforcement Recently, OSHA has been offering a series of seminars to national office employees called "The Business of Small Business." These seminars offer a chance to learn what OSHA is doing to...