2010 POY Finalists: Maintenance Tools and Equipment

Plant Engineering's 2010 Product of the Year finalists featured in the Maintenance Tools and Equipment category.

November 15, 2010

Display unit

The UPAD display unit (DU) from VibrAlign, Inc. is designed to be worn on the user’s arm and allows the user to have their hands free while performing alignments. The UPAD DU can be interchanged with the original XA hand-held DU. Both DUs are wireless and can handle all the functions of the XA from advanced shaft alignment to geometric measurements. The new UPAD DU has all the functionality of the larger hand-held DU, but with a smaller, 3.5 inch screen. The screen is backlit and trans-reflective to provide good visibility in poor lighting conditions as well as in strong sunlight.

VibrAlign, Inc.


Infrared thermometer

The Extech 42509 infrared thermometer features dual laser pointers to identify the 12” convergence distance and an innovative alert system that changes the display color when an alarm is triggered. Its designed with a double-molded housing and is ideal for processes that require temperature control and monitoring in a wide-ranging applications including industrial mechanical and electrical diagnostics; process control in manufacturing; food, beverage and confectionery quality control; as well as asphalt manufacturing, storage and road construction. It’s also designed for high temperatures, the high-accuracy Extech measures up to 950°F (510°C).

Extech Instruments


Thermal imaging camera

The FLIR T300 thermal imaging camera captures detailed, crisp images and video with a 320 x 240 focal plane array (FPA) detector (76,800 pixels). FLIR’s affordable T300 tackle the performance demands of industrial, plant, utility, HVAC, and building-related professionals. For quick, highly detailed diagnostics in industrial applications, the T300 matches 2% thermal accuracy, 30Hz frame rate, and <0.05ºC thermal sensitivity (NETD). The FLIR T300’s capabilities integrate proven technologies such as Bluetooth to simplify and streamline routine inspection tasks helping thermographers get their job done quickly and accurately.

FLIR Systems


Industrial vacuum

The FarrVac from Camfil Farr Air Pollution Control is a pulse-cleaned industrial vacuum that drastically reduces clogs to prevent the problems that result from loss of suction during cleaning. The unit operates without compressed air and may be used for everyday cleanup, as a dedicated dust collector for a single process machine, or as an accessory to an installed dust collector when replacing or emptying dust drawers or drums. The FarrVac unit comes equipped with durable spun bond polyester filters that last up to 10 times longer than conventional filters and capture dust particles to 0.1 micron.

Camfil Farr Air Pollution Control


Cable stripper

The RSK-125BP from Seatek Company utilizes a high-powered 18V lithium-ion battery that charges in 30 minutes. The RSK-125BP is ideal for stripping large diameter armored power cables. Welded cables are normally very difficult to strip, but the motorized Roto-Skinner easily strips cable ends saving time & money. The Roto-Skinner is equipped with an adjustable cable guide accepts cables from 5/8" to 5" O.D. Depth of cut is controlled with thumb screw and lock, maximum depth of cut 5/16" or 8mm. The RSK-125BP is safe to use with a spring loaded blade guard & enclosed blade.

Seatek Company


Clamp meter

The Fluke 381 is a clamp meter with a removable display for added flexibility. The wireless technology allows the display to be carried up to 30 feet away from the point of measurement without interference with measurement accuracy. The iFlex flexible current probe expands the measurement range to 2500 A ac while providing increased display flexibility, and the ability to measure awkward sized conductors and improved wire access. The integrated low pass filter and the state of the art signal processing allows for use in noisy electrical environments while providing stable readings.

Fluke Corporation


Clamp meter

The EX845 from Extech Instruments is a 1000A AC/DC CAT IV clamp meter with METERLiNK technology and a built-in infrared thermometer. The rugged new Extech EX845 1000A clamp meter is designed to deliver safety and versatility without compromising performance or innovation. The EX845’s advanced True RMS meter functions include AC/DC current, voltage, resistance, capacitance, frequency, infrared and contact temperature, diode-test, and continuity check. The fast-responding EX845’s peak hold function captures inrush currents and transients. The meter comes complete with an 8-piece professional test lead set, a 9V battery, Type K temperature probe, and a belt holster.

Extech Instruments


Vibration tester

The Fluke 810 vibration tester consists of diagnostic technology designed to help identify and prioritize mechanical problems for mechanical maintenance teams. The vibration tester uses a step-by-step process to report on machine faults the first time measurements are taken, without prior measurement history.  The 2 GB expandable on-board memory provides space for machinery data while the tri-axial accelerometer helps to reduce time. Other features include a fault severity scale with four severity levels, a self-test function, viewer PC software, a laser tachometer, and on-board identification and location of common mechanical faults.

Fluke Corporation


Filter bucket

The PIG Oily Water Filter Bucket is an absorbent-filled bucket can be used indoors or outdoors to capture up to five gallons of hydrocarbons from collected water/oil mixture and allows filtered water to pass through. Seven alternating layers of PIG Oil-Only Mat Pads and PIG Oil-Only Pillows help to disperse collected liquids for uniform saturation and fewer change outs. The hose fitting on the top of the container lid accepts 3/4" drainage hoses, while the 3/4” connection on the bottom of the container accepts a self bailer, drain plug, another drainage hose, or it can be used as a free-flowing drain.

New Pig Corporation


Laptop interface

RIDGID’s SeeSnake LT1000 laptop interface offers a flexible way to digitally record, monitor and manage drain footage when paired with a RIDGID SeeSnake reel and PC laptop. The LT1000 provides the ability to complete tasks without transferring data between field devices and a PC. The clean keys control pad allows gloved or bare hands to control recordings and camera operations during an inspection while the laptop stabilization system provides a secure and stable surface for a laptop and power cords.

RIDGID