2011 POY Finalists: Fluid Handling
Finalists in Fluid Handling in Plant Engineering’s 2011 Product of the Year competition
Edited by Amanda McLeman, Plant Engineering
Spray nozzles 
Atomizing spray nozzles are internal mix nozzles that atomize fluids in a range of spray patterns for a variety of use. They combine liquid and compressed air to create a mist of atomized liquid that can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of any application. These nozzles allow you to coat, cool, treat, and paint a variety of products using compressed air and liquids with a viscosity of up to 300 cP. Used with water, atomizing nozzles are an efficient way to evenly cool hot items in automated processes.
Latching lid 
The PIG Latching Lid for Poly Drums has been designed specifically to fit open-head poly drums. This lid opens and closes easily with one hand—no need to remove and reattach the drum ring, lid, or bolt to access drum contents. The lid also features a 3-in.-wide EVA gasket and locking mechanism that not only completely seals the lid to help keep drum contents dry and pure, but also helps prevent vapor emissions. Two sets of interchangeable drum spacers and extra wide-wide gasket design allow the lid to fit the five most common poly drum designs.
TVA flowmeter 
The Target Variable Area flowmeter for use on saturated steam is ideal for applications where there are large variations in flow rates. The integral electronics unit removes the need for a differential pressure transmitter, impulse lines, and additional equipment. A built-in temperature sensor provides full density compensation and enables power, energy, flow, total flow, pressure, and temperature to be displayed on the on-board LCD display. All flow parameters are fully configured on an integral keypad so no additional tools or configurations are required for setup and commissioning.
Hydraulic hoses 
The MegaSys constant-pressure hydraulic hoses are easy to handle and can be routed in tight, confined spaces during installation. The spiral-wire hoses can be bent up to one-half and wire-braid hoses up to two-thirds the SAE specification, thereby saving overall hose assembly length and cost by as much as 64%. MegaSys hoses can handle biodegradable hydraulic fluids like polyester, polyglycol, and vegetable oil, as well as standard petroleum-based fluids. These hoses are found on machine tools, injection molding and die cast equipment, hydrostatic conveyor drives, and plant floor mobile equipment.
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2012 Salary Survey
In a year when manufacturing continued to lead the economic rebound, it makes sense that plant manager bonuses rebounded. Plant Engineering’s annual Salary Survey shows both wages and bonuses rose in 2012 after a retreat the year before.
Average salary across all job titles for plant floor management rose 3.5% to $95,446, and bonus compensation jumped to $15,162, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 level and double the 2011 total, which showed a sharp drop in bonus.