1998 Product of the Year Compressed Air - Static eliminator sweeps surfaces clean
- Compressed air piping system is flexible, easy to install
- Air dryer saves energy, meets safety requirements
- Compressor control saves energy, maintenance
- Condensate drain saves compressed air
- Air compressor has 100% duty cycle
- Compressed air filter has low pressure drop, long life
- Portable compressor reduces size and weight
- Compressor quietly delivers cool air
- Compressed air tester measures four parameters
Construction, Buildings, and Grounds - Plastic shell surrounds interior plant columns
- Air cushion system protects plant columns
- Flooring blocks protect concrete surfaces
- Flexible doors used for interior/exterior duty
- Epoxy floor system resists caustic chemicals
- Expansion joint is flat and waterproof
- Birolling door operates at 80 in./sec
Control Equipment - Portable computer survives harsh environments
- Indicator light looks as good as it performs
- System extends open control networks to existing components
- Intrinsically safe controllers rated for hazardous environments
- Paging, wizards, symbol library enhance control software
- Open architecture system adapts to control applications
- Soft controller offers data sharing
- Micro PC fits in limited spaces
- Software helps maximize control system performance
- Laptop computer is ruggedized for tough service
Electric Motors, Drives, and Controls - Probe measures voltage and current
- Electric drive minimizes space, maximizes efficiency
- Adjustable frequency drive designed for small motors
- AC drive incorporates third-generation software
- Package includes motor and inverter
- Pushbutton prevents inadvertent shutdown
- Motor performs in harsh environments
- Modular approach builds motor control package
- Voltage monitor includes automatic range selection
- Motor line exceeds EPAct requirements
- Controller is programmable, microprocessor controlled
- Compact drives operate up to 5 hp
- Large ac motor line uses three enclosure types
Electrical Power - Software analyzes power quality, harmonics
- One instrument performs three test functions
- Transformer offers improved safety and environmental benefits
- Switchgear offers added protection and safety
- Circuit breaker features highest ANSI ratings
- Digital multimeter displays several readings
- Devices feature metallic and nonmetallic construction
- Compact fuses immediately indicate blown condition
- Filter eliminates harmonic currents
- Multifunction meter reads and monitors
Environment, Safety, and Health - Sensor-activated eyewash offers instant accessibility
- Diesel catalyst provides reductions at cool exhaust temperatures
- Spill containment pad keeps areas clean and dry
- Software simplifies lockout/tagout management
- Fire protection control valves are 50% lighter
- Fire door operator tested at the turn of a switch
- Bladder system captures leaks and spills from cabinets
- Skimmer captures hydrocarbons in catch basins
- Aluminum safety mat withstands heavy traffic
- Absorbent mat hides leaks and spills
- Full-fingered antivibration glove protects hands and arms
Fluid Handling - Wrench assembles large instrumentation fittings
- Butterfly valves connect quickly
- Hose combines best features of rubber and composite
- Package combines valve, actuator, and indicator
- Software manages steam trap data
- Pump seal fits standard bore chambers
- Ball valve provides sanitary and steam service
- Mag drive pump provides low flow of corrosive fluids
- Spray tank eliminates pressurization
- Pump moves hot fluids without water cooling
- Pump trap has low profile to fit tight spaces
- Booster pump operates with all kinds of water
- Machines reduce pipe fusion time 50%-70%
- Steam trap management system promotes productive maintenance
- Steam trap design accepts inline dirt
General and Maintenance Software - CMMS blends Java, advances in workflow processes
- Multimodule CMMS is Y2K compliant
- Management system integrates with other applications
- Diagnostic tool analyzes machine efficiency
- Route management module uses handheld data collectors
- Software helps implement root cause failure analysis
- Web-enabled system links CMMS to internet
- Condition monitoring system provides central database
- Automation software suite functions seamlessly
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning - Cooling tower requires no field assembly
- Boiler control regulates three jobs
- Humidification system uses minimal impingement
- Spot cooler rolls to where needed
- CD-ROM helps select boiler equipment
- Combustion analyzer measures several conditions
- UVC emitter protects rooftop HVAC systems
- Software selects HVAC&R components
Instruments - Instrument eliminates need for water dunk testing
- Data collector calculates equipment effectiveness
- Paperless recorder provides data on process readings
- Signal conditioner has pushbutton calibration
- Uncooled IR camera designed for PM uses
- Digital oscillographic recorder offers multiple functions
- Level transmitter offers superior performance at low cost
- Ultrasonic sensors respond to liquid, solid, powder
- Proximity sensor learns and adjusts
- IR thermometer combines electronics, ease of use
- Clamp-on meter combines harmonics, datalogger functions
- Vortex system offers enhanced flow measurement
- Dry pressure gauge acts like liquid-filled device
- IR inspection system simple to apply
Lighting - Halogen lamp offers longer life, more light
- Mounting ring uses 2-12 luminaires
- Lighting system delivers higher lumens/watt
- Pulse-start family reducesballast losses
- Wall switches turn on/off based upon occupancy
Maintenance Products - Machine mounts designed for specific equipment
- Shop towels absorb faster, hold more
- System erects and repairs foundations
- Waterbased coating serves extreme applications
- Coating converts rust to metal
- Cutting fluid and paste lubricate metalworking operations
Maintenance Tools and Equipment - Water recycling system reduces maintenance
- Aerial work platform can be operated easily by only one worker
- Magnetic wand picks up waste metal
- Boom mounts to trailer for easy transport
- Labelmaker travels anywhere in the plant
- Video inspection system allows look inside piping
- Parts washer works without solvents
- Solid carbide bit delivers long life, increased drilling speed
- Management software ensures proper lubrication practices
- Machine inspection system helps identify equipment problems
- Boom lift delivers simplified operation
- Diagnostic system immediately flags any deviation
- Wire dispenser can be transported to any location
Material Handling - Conveyor rollers reduce litho ink buildup
- Header seal keeps rain, wind, and snow out
- Material lift quickly moves 800-lb loads
- Reflectors aid spotting of truck trailers at docks
- Scissor lift features built-in turntable
- Orange pole regulates dock traffic movement
- Lift truck features oil-cooled disc brakes
- Database manages mobile equipment
- VLAS includes two storage bays and single extractor
- Lifter is combination crane, cart, and carrier
- Wireless crane control operates in harsh conditions
- Leveler accommodates variety of trailer types
- Dock door withstands lift truck impacts
Power Transmission - Linear actuator is lightweight, economical
- System identifies, organizes, and stores O-rings
- Tank air breather removes ambient contaminants
- Pump bearing retrofits to offer longer life
- Laser alignment system is user friendly and fast
- Mounted ball bearings never require relubrication
1998 Products of the Year A Special Supplement to Plant Engineering Forum
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