View All Gears and Bearings
Ways to boost bearing durability, maintain functionality in humid places
Learn effective strategies for managing bearings in humid to enhance durability and maintain optimal functionality
Back to basics: Learn about unique gear design in machinery
These common gearset designs all have unique characteristics and are used in various applications.
When does preventive maintenance really begin? Learn about proper storage
Preventive maintenance should begin before a critical asset is installed — with the proper storage of the asset
Mobile geared product market showing slight growth
The global market for mobile geared products grew slightly, and is expected to register a CAGR of 1.5% between 2021 and 2027.
Geared motors and industrial gear market continues savings
The global geared motors and industrial gears market is expected to experience a significant slowdown in growth.
Mobile robots will be leading planetary precision gear industry by 2026
The market for planetary precision gearboxes is forecast to expand significantly, driven by high levels of demand within the mobile robots segment.
Three common ceramic bearings pitfalls
With ceramic bearings, users need to be aware of common issues such as contamination, thermal shock and shock loads.
Top 5 Plant Engineering content: October 3-9, 2022
The top 5 Plant Engineering content from the past week covered bearings, electric vehicles, management culture and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Plant Engineering content: August 29-September 4, 2022
The top 5 Plant Engineering content from the past week covered bearings, a distribution center, control cabinets, air compression systems and digital transformation tools. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Bearings, bearings, bearings… the world runs on bearings
To support overall bearing maintenance, addressing careless work habits goes a long way.
Mixer keeps hot melt adhesives cool
Hot melt adhesives are environmentally friendly compared to the alternatives.
Three bearing challenges in food production
The food and beverage production sector is facing bearing challenges with safety, sustainability and cost control. Potential solutions are highlighted for each.
How to extend the life of a ball valve
Proper preventive measures can extend the life of ball valves by years
Geared products market projected to have strong 2022
Interact Analysis projects the geared motor and industrial gear market will continue its rebound in 2022 with 8.4% growth year over year (YoY).
Improving bearing performance for turbomachinery in plants
Texas A&M University researchers are working to improve the rotation in turbomachinery rotors with advances in process fluid-lubricated bearings.
Understand the capabilities of polymer 3-D printing
Discover the manufacturing potential of 3-D printed bearings
Rapid overhaul of generator rotor needed due to lack of maintenance
Carrying out routine maintenance on a large turbine generator calls for expertise as well as the experience to achieve an efficient and cost-effective project.
Understanding failure to improve turbomachinery designs
Expert failure analysis techniques deliver improved reliability for demanding manufacturing operations.
Planetary gearheads by KEB America
The planetary gearheads are a perfect compliment to the DL3 line of dynamic servo motors
SealMaster® Large Bore Performance Gold Line Mounted Ball Bearing by Regal Beloit
Available in both a medium 2 7/16” and up and standard 2 11/16” and up shaft sizes, the time-saving axial groove in the inner ring bore allows for easier bearing removal.
Heavy-duty conveyors
The 400 Series conveyors combine a low profile of 3 inches with load carrying capacities to 1,000 lb., and speeds of up to 2,000 fpm to satisfy material handling requirements. These conveyors are ideal for transporting heavy loads in tight quarters. Belt widths of up to 60 inches are available, in lengths to 100 feet.
Dry guard
Dry Guard bearings feature a unique diamond-like coating, and are designed to significantly reduce the coefficient of friction, enabling longer periods of safe operation under dry run conditions. Dry running can inadvertently occur when a source tank empties or a valve is shut off up stream from the pump.
Product Intros – 1970-01-01
Rack design reduces forklift damageThe Defender rack frame can be applied to new and existing installations to resist and reduce forklift damage. The front column is moved back 9-in. from the aisle to reduce forklift contact. The bottom front column is made of tubular steel with a 3/16-in. thick wall to take more abuse than other racks.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, August 21-27: bearing maintenance, fuel cells, boiler replacement, and more
Articles about bearing maintenance, fuel cells, boiler replacement, reducing energy waste, and condensing boilers were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, August 21-27. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, August 14-20: Predictive maintenance, bearing maintenance, strategic management, and more
Articles about predictive maintenance, bearing maintenance, strategic management, artificial intelligence, and compressed air savings were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, August 14-20. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, June 12-18: Common welding errors, reduce maintenance costs, lubrication warning signs, more
Articles about common welding errors, reducing maintenance costs, lubrication warning signs, counterfeit bearings, and NEC changes were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, June 12-18. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Bearing isolator
The Bearing Isolator has received IP66 rating for applications in severe duty and/or wash down environments at risk of contamination
Mounted ball bearings
Emerson's Sealmaster introduces material handling mounted ball bearings.
Product Exclusive: Powerfoil X2.0
New industrial ceiling fan from the Big Ass Fan Company uses an airfoil system that is designed to increase overall coverage.
Planetary mixers
Double planetary mixers designed for high-precision formulations.
POY Finalist: Shaft grounding bearing isolator
Finalist in Power Transmission in Plant Engineering’s 2011 Product of the Year competition
Ring bearings for wide range of medium- to heavy-duty applications
The Kaydon HS Series of ring bearings are efficiently designed for four-point contact, with a rectangular cross-section, deep groove gothic arch raceways and maximum ball complement
Chain lube system uses electrostatic nozzles
AutoJet Electrostatic Lubrication System uses electrostatic nozzles to apply lubrication to ball bearings and other key areas of the chain
Gearbox coatings
OKS-G and OKS-S coatings provide protection in indoor installations in heated rooms with air humidity up to 90%
Kaydon Bearings plant manager earns S.C. honor
Al Hubbard, Kaydon Bearings’ plant manager in Sumter, S.C., was named an Ambassador for Economic Development for leading the facility through a period of growth, his effors to bring a third facility to the county
Tactical vs. strategic: Find the best path to reliability
What has proven to produce dramatic results is a combination of targeted tactical solutions coupled with a strategic behavior-based implementation of reliability best practices that address counterproductive work processes and behaviors.
Gearhead
The WX high-torque gearhead is designed to provide long life and high performance. The gearmotors are available to drive applications such as conveyor systems, packaging equipment, metering devices and commercial appliances. The gearmotors feature steel helical gears and synthetic lubricant, allowing the WX to provide up to 50% more torque than previous models.
Improved clinker grinders
The EXCEN-CRUSHER is designed for high volume operations in large industrial power plant installations. The improved 54 by 43-inch crusher is designed to reduce clinker size in wet or dry applications with pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical conveying system applications. It features four-bolt chrome-alloy white cast iron cams; a universal pre-drilled gearmotor mount; and two types of seals.
Using technical assessment to identify root cause
A large pulp mill was shut down due to failure of the forced draft fan on its recovery boiler. Excessive vibration of the inboard bearing had broken the cooling water line inside the oil-filled bearing housing and flushed out the oil. The bearing journal had overheated, cracked and melted the Babbitt causing heavy scouring damage to the shaft surface.
Waukesha Bearings acquires Inpro/Seal
Founder Orlowski calls sale "best strategic fit"
Uncovering seven uncommon IR thermometer applications
Savvy maintenance professionals know that infrared, non-contact thermometers fit beautifully into motors, drive and electrical maintenance. Simply scan the equipment while it’s operational and look for components that are running hotter than they should be. Find problems before they burn up, and you save money and time.
Bearing market expected to keep rolling along in next three years
Ball, roller and plain bearing demand in the U.S. is projected to expand 3.0% per year through 2013 to $10.6 billion, according to a new report by the Cleveland-based Freedonia Group. Sales increases for ball and roller bearings, including both mounted and unmounted types and associated parts, will outpace those of plain bearings, reaching $8.
A new generation
We have discussed industrial energy efficiency for many years, and it still provides an opportunity for huge electrical savings in most facilities. Electric motor driven systems represent close to 90% of electrical costs in some process industries. Efficiency upgrades represent the most cost effective method of energy conservation.
Motors worksheet
The Cost Justification Worksheet for Motors is an Excel-based module that identifies energy and operational savings a plant can attain through the use of bearing isolators. It is a valuable tool for top management, engineering, operations, maintenance and other professionals involved in the maintenance of motors for industrial and process applications.
Schneider Electric powers up photovoltaic solar array project at Palatine headquarters
The array will reduce electric usage at its North America headquarters facility by an estimated 2%-3% annually.
Motor management
Electric motors convert about 2/3 of all electricity used in industry to make things run in our manufacturing plants. We don’t give much thought to replacing them until they stop working. By then, we’re often in a hurry to get the machine back in service and production running again. When that electric motor is replaced, we should look at some very important facts so the replacement...
Induction ac motor training
This e-learning course teaches critical maintenance skills in an easy to use format. The program shows how to diagnose voltage problems, size overload protection properly and select the right motor for the job.
SPECIAL REPORT: Manage energy, accountability with automation integration
Information - and more specifically, the ability to turn information into results - is proving to be the linchpin for managing energy costs
Integrated motor, actuator
The integrated design of this integrated servo motor/rod-style actuator provides high dynamic performance by eliminating the need for separate motors, couplers, motor mounts, gearing and belts.
Cables for VFDs
VFD cables offer low capacitance, low resistance ground path, improved common-mode current containment and improved EMI/RFI shielding.
Trolley hoist
The SHB industrial grade chain hoist and geared trolley configuration minimizes beam-to-hook distance for use in applications where longer hook travel is required. This low profile trolley hoist is available in 1-ton through 10-ton capacities and comes with standard 20 feet of lift. Its features include an efficient drive train that minimizes the effort required to operate and maintenance-free ...
Plant Engineering Industry Leaders
Plant Engineering Industry Leaders is a problem-solving resource for industrial plant engineering professionals responsible for the planning, specification, installation, maintenance and operation of industrial plant facilities, utilities, equipment and systems. It provides information to the people who operate and maintain industrial plants and bridges the information gap between engineering education and practical application. Visit the sites below for information on these industry leaders' products and service offerings.
2009 Tips & Tricks
Solutions for a post-recession recovery
Value of variable speed ac drives goes far beyond energy savings
It is vital for industrial facility managers to understand their total value, and not just the value achieved from reduced energy consumption.
Bouncing back
The recession challenged every manufacturer to do more with less. As recovery starts to take hold and production shows signs of increasing, the emphasis now should be on making sure operations run smarter, with less energy use and higher productivity. Industry experts have shared some of their practical Tips & Tricks on ways to save energy, cut costs and stretch more life out of your equipm...
Drive technology
By combining the technologies of the field proven laminated finned frame RPM ac motor with a high performance permanent magnet salient pole rotor design, Baldor offers an energy efficient power dense product that can directly replace the right-angle gearbox and jack-shaft installation in many conventional cooling towers.
Tips to select an electric motor repair shop
Considering the degree to which repair shops differ in skill, equipment resources and procedures, it’s a question that should be high on your maintenance assurance list. Professional shops meet challenging quality criteria and perhaps are even certified by a prominent engineering company. Before sending another electric motor out for repair, measure your service provider against these bas...
Bearing protection ring
The Current Diverter Ring provides a bearing protection device for motors using VFDs to adjust the speed output of ac motors. The motor manufacturers can conveniently package the motor, drive and CDR. VFD-controlled motors inherently produce destructive shaft currents that must be redirected around the bearings; otherwise, unmitigated electrical currents initiated by the VFD and induced by the ...
Cool motor
The W22 motor features a new cooling system that also reduces noise level. The aerodynamic design of the fan cover increases effective airflow, thus minimizing losses due to the recirculation of air between fan and fan cover. The cooling system contributes to lower winding and bearing temperatures, resulting in longer life.
The recession is over; what did we learn?
Fifteen months ago in this space, I first used the word “recession.” Many people had spent the better part of a year trying to avoid using that word. We were gearing up for a presidential election and we were trying to understand the depth of the issues we faced. Little did we know how bad it would get.
Eight factors to consider when choosing a small actuator
Whether for packaging, life sciences or factory automation, smooth motion, fast accelerations and a high degree of accuracy are hallmark requirements for linear movement actuators. Increasingly, miniaturization has added the additional requirement of compactness. One system that can meet all of the above requirements in its conversion of motor torque to linear thrust is the single axis ball scr...
Rod locks
The RLSS Rod Locks feature a wide clamping surface to ensure high holding forces even during power/pressure loss, providing reliable precision gripping of up to 5,026 pounds, depending on the model. They ensure accurate positioning and holding while other operations are performed. The rugged rod locks use numerous ball bearings to transfer the spring force onto the clamping collar, resulting in...
Ball bearing inserts
These set screw type and locking collar type units are stocked in many sizes to fit shafts ranging from ½ inch to 4 inches in diameter. The set screw type bearing inserts have 2 set screws. Tightening the set screws contacts the shaft, which effectively locks the shaft to the bearing so that the two will turn as one.
Effective energy management saves money, the environment
Energy can be effectively managed through a thorough examination of a plant's process or processes
Economy: Several indicators suggest growing manufacturer optimism
Several independent sources give some positive news for manufacturers. NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for future North American conditions jumped 15.6 points to 52 from February to March, first above the 50 point growth threshold since August 2007. Prime Advantage survey says 87% of industrial manfucturing companies plan new product introductions in 2009; and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) survey of 700 manufacturers say 21% of manufacturers are reporting their equipment budgets have increased, 25% have seen no change and 18% report only a slight decrease. “We’re not going to get out of this economic crisis without a strong, innovative manufacturing sector,” SME says. Also see, from MBT, Next imperative: Economy drives manufacturers to go lean; outsource more non-core functions ." More details about each follow along with tips and tools for doing your job better in current economic conditions. Product innovation continues, Prime Advantage says Comparison of external concerns facing midsized manufacturers Source: Prime Advantage via MBT.
Heavy-duty drum motor
Available in two versions, the 220 Series drum motor features an internal gearing system with 97% efficiency and uses less power than many conventional drives.
Chiseling hammer
The SDS-max MHE 56 chiseling hammer’s compact design – it’s 18 inches long and weighs less than 17 pounds – enable the tool to be used in various working positions and in hard-to-reach spaces.
Selection guide
The “Thompson RoundRail Linear Guides and Components” selection guide is now available. It contains helpful product overviews, comparisons, relevant product specifications and ordering information. The guide includes an engineering appendix covering ball bushing bearings, 60 Case shafting and RoundRail linear guides.
Washdown gearmotor
The ASEPTICplus gearmotor includes the DAS IP69K-rated motor is designed to perform in the high pressure, high temperature washdown conditions found in the food processing industry. There is no place for bacteria or contaminants to hide. The totally enclosed non-ventilated motor prevents contaminants from being spread by airflow.
When failure is not an option, plants opt for predictive analytics
Failures have never been an option for power plants, refineries, oil and gas production facilities and other industries with critical equipment. While traditional condition monitoring solutions have reached their plateau, predictive analytic technologies go beyond to complex analytics for early warnings and insights into root causes of problems on critical equipment.
Shaft grounding rings
AEGIS SGR bearing protection rings channel harmful VFD-induced shaft currents safely to ground. Unlike conventional grounding brushes, the rings are maintenance-free and work with virtually no friction or wear for the service life of the motor. The ring can be installed in the field without disconnecting the motor from coupled equipment.
Belt-driven actuators
MXB-P belt-driven linear actuators feature a profiled rail guidance system that facilitates large moment loads, high-speed operation and precision.
3D bearing models
Configurable 3D CAD models detail the Linear Ball Bushing bearing and linear specialty bearing products.
Compact powered mover
The compact, cordless CartMover is designed to move loads on wheels, such as parts carts, shipping carts, dumpsters, machine modules, product racks, stalled tow motors and more.
ANSI process pump
The ANSI Model 3196 process pump features i-Frame, an onboard condition monitoring system.
High-temperature ball bearings
Deep Groove ball bearings for high-temperatures can operate reliably in extreme conditions and often can eliminate a need to specify expensive special bearings or costly lubricants.
Identify, use best practices to take control of maintenance
Best practice rules may vary from industry to industry, even from company to company, but it's important to describe the possible benefits, and to consider ways in which they can be implemented.
Angle grinder
This 5-inch angle grinder features electronic speed stabilization and is designed for grinding; cutting; finishing granite, marble or concrete; and other heavy operating conditions.
Conveyor
Enable multi-lane accumulation of products of varying sizes and random orientation with the XLR slip roller accumulation conveyor. The XLR features multiple adjacent rollers across the full conveyor bed and a 24 volts DC brushless motor that provides speed control with a variable up to 90 feet per minute. The conveyor handles loads up to 120 pounds and is available in lengths up to 120 inches.
Productivity & Training Software
Enhanced design software LabVIEW 8.6 graphical design software offers engineers the ability to design advanced control systems using field-programmable gate array-based programmable automation controllers. The software simplifies programming of the NI CompactRIO control and acquisition system and condenses the development of complex measurement and control applications. It also introduces additional control logic tools by providing function blocks based on the IEC 61131-3 standard. National Instruments Corp.
Fluid Handling – 2008-11-01
Push-to-connect valves Push-to-connect COPRO ULTRA 50 mini valves are removable and reusable. Suitable for use on copper, PEX, CPVC and stainless-steel tubing, the valves do not require glue, soldering, paste or wrenches for installation. Tamper-resistant, they feature a Quick Fitting Inc.
Compressed Air – 2008-11-01 – 2008-11-01
Variable-speed air compressor The Quantima variable-speed centrifugal air compressor features oil-free operation and magnetic bearings. The motor and direct-drive compression assembly incorporate the magnetic bearings to provide control both axially and radially of the rotor shaft. Its patented Q-drive compression and motor assembly has just one moving part; it operates with the rotor spinning in a magnetic field at up to 60,000 rpm.
Fan repair blows replacement away
Traditionally, as fans and blowers in process equipment would break down, replacement used to be standard practice, especially for severely damaged or worn equipment. But that may not be the best case for manufacturers today. By simply replacing a fan or blower, end users may lose an opportunity to enhance the quality of their equipment.
Ball bearings
The MRC brand self-aligning ball bearings provide solutions for rotating machinery applications where misalignment may occur due to mounting errors or shaft deflection. Designed for high-speed applications that require greater running accuracy, such as fans, blowers and conveyor equipment, the bearings’ self-alignment function features two rows of balls with a common sphere raceway in the outer ring, which provides lower friction and temperature. Available with cylindrical or tapered bores in diameters ranging from 5 to 130 millimeter, users choose between open or sealed types and various cage materials such as polyamide, machined brass or pressed steel.
A straight line to proper shaft and belt alignment
Misalignment of shafts and belts can become a highly vexing problem in plants across industries, and accurate diagnosis and timely remedial action can make all the difference. Properly aligned shafts and belts in rotating machinery can contribute significantly to sustained equipment uptime and productivity.
Maintenance on America is scheduled for Nov. 4
I have railed in the past about the “break-fix” mentality in manufacturing maintenance. The same holds true for the current federal plan, such as it is, to address manufacturing's challenges in the modern world. Break-fix doesn't work in Washington any better than it does on your plant floor.
Detection system
Designed to pick up leaking valves in hydraulic systems and detect faulty bearings in motors, pumps and gears, among other applications, the Ultraprobe 3000 ultrasonic detection system features 400 memory locations to hold data. The digital instrument is equipped with a dynamic sensitivity range and has a spin-and-click sensitivity dial for adjustments and data storage.
In deciding on ERP, EAM systems, time is more important than turf
Today, it’s a rare business executive who doesn’t have at least some IT understanding, and a healthy respect for people who know more than he does.
Kyocera Wireless puts in Oracle demand management
Technology consultancy BearingPoint reports deployment of Oracle Demantra Demand Management to improve the strategic planning and forecasting functions at San Diego-based Kyocera Wireless . Demantra is set to replace Kyocera’s manual process for planning and forecasting, improve accuracy, maintain a better audit trail, generate consistent enterprisewide reports and spreadsheets, and create one source of data for forecasting and planning.Demantra’s automated analytics can quickly generate accurate forecasts and turn them into consensus plans without the need of advanced statistical expertise."In less than four months, BearingPoint helped us replace our manual, spreadsheet-forecasting processes with a state-of-the-art planning process," says Todd Huffine, senior director of IT for Kyocera. "The integrated process now provides better communication of forecast information and faster development and modification of sales and operating plans."As part of the engagement, BearingPoint also worked with Kyocera to put in place a streamlined user interface, online forecast measurement tools, and automated change tracking capabilities.
Brushless servo motor
The BSM132 brushless servo motor reaches 20 hp and is expandable to 34 hp with optional blower cooling.
More is better with predictive maintenance
When it comes to the application of predictive technologies, more can definitely be better. The use of a complement of predictive tools can more effectively identify various failure modes much earlier than traditional preventive maintenance programs or one-tool predictive programs. The powers of the tools are multiplied when they are used together.
Roller bearings
Axial-radial cylindrical roller bearings can handle axial loads in either direction simultaneously with radial loads or moment loads. An L-shaped inner ring is integrated with a shaft washer, an outer ring, two thrust roller cage assemblies and a radial full complement roller row. Bore diameters range from 50 to 400 mm for the inner ring and from 120 to 500 mm for the outer ring.
Preassembled linear systems
Maintenance-free and suitable for small handling and packaging operations, eLine compact modules are available in ball-screw and belt-driven versions, respectively in profile sizes of 90 and 110 millimeters. The modules include factory-lubricated bearings, an integrated stepper motor with positioning control, a configurable 3D CAD generator and hybrid ball rail guideways.
Precision electric actuators
New motor control technology combines position accuracy with battery backup and continuous duty capability.
Split-ring kits
The AEGIS SGR split-ring bearing protection, specified for both NEMA and IEC motors, prevents hearing damage by channeling shaft currents to ground.
Gearboxes
IronHorse worm gearboxes change drive direction by 90 degrees and are mountable in any direction, except motor-pointing-up. The gearboxes feature a C-flange input and carbon steel shaft – either right-hand or dual-shaft output. Applications include electric motors for reducing output speed, ichanging drive direction or running two loads from one motor.
Linear motor stage
The compact MAB-100, uses an air bearing guide-way to deliver precise, frictionless, straight-line motion up to 100 mm in length.
New plant propels wind turbine industry
A new multi-million dollar Siemens plant will increase the production of mechanical drives for the wind turbine industry. Investment will create approximately 350 new jobs in Illinois.
Putting a flood-damaged plant back in business
Littelfuse offers tips on how to safely repair and recondition flooded manufacturing equipment
Optical incremental encoder
The R22i optical incremental encoder provides position feedback with optional commutation signals for brushless in a package of 22 millimeter in diameter by 15 millimeter long.
Variable speed blower
The Nautilair 7.6 variable speed blower for gas-fired burner systems incorporates brushless DC motors that provide more than 20,000 hours of production with minimal maintenance.
Find facility efficiency first
The impact of rising energy prices is being felt in every corner office and boardroom.
Specialty compressor oils minimize chemical process downtime, repairs
Chemical plant compressors can be part of very complex and reactive process gas handling systems that are designed to drive and isolate the process, protect the environment and the people surrounding it.
Cycle actuators
High-duty-cycle actuators combine the torque of Valvcon ADC platform with brushless dc-motor technology.
Heating tapes
The HTWAT series of silicone rubber heating tapes feature an adjustable thermostat control up to 218 C and are designed for process temperature control, freeze protection and supplemental heat.
White paper: Common types of bearing damage
Keeping bearings properly maintained is critical to ensuring uptime and optimizing machine performance, and one way to keep them maintained is to know the most common types of bearing damage.
Bearings maker opens plants in India, China
Timken Co. said it will soon open two manufacturing plants in Asia, adding to its ability to serve aerospace and industrial markets.
Brushless dc motors: More power from a smaller package
Today’s brushless dc motors and gearmotors combine many of the best features of both ac and dc drive systems. Just like ac motors, brushless dc motors eliminate brush maintenance, dust and brush-generated electromagnetic interference.
Switch unit
The Rotation Switch series uses a rotating vane as a sensor to detect the level of dust or powdered material.
Gear oil
Mobilgear 600 XP Gear Oil series is engineered to deliver wear and corrosion protection for gearboxes.
Maintenance product catalog
Featuring more than 183,000 facility maintenance products, the catalog previews tools for applications spanning from power transmission to fleet management.
Conveyor drive
The Motovario is a shaft-mounted drive designed to eliminate many maintenance and load requirements.
KamanDirect.com search Website gets a relaunch
Kaman Industrial Technologies has launched KamanDirect.com to offer greater search capabilities, simplified navigation and personalization options to provide faster and easier access to more than two million industrial parts and components.
Predictive maintenance 101
It’s no surprise that plant maintenance can be time-consuming and expensive. It also is understood that proper maintenance practices are critical to help maximize equipment uptime and protect the bottom line. However, many practices take the 'break-fix’ approach, including preventive maintenance, performed on a time-based or scheduled scenario regardless of actual need.
Online calculator helps plants be sustainable through lubrication
The new online tool can help users manage rising energy prices and carbon dioxide emissions by realizing the significant energy and cost savings available through lubrication best practices.
Forecast: continued sluggish growth
The National Association of Manufacturers’ 2008 Economic Forecast released Wednesday points to, “a recession being averted, but a significant deceleration in GDP growth through the first half of this year due to surging energy prices and a slowdown in corporate profits that will hold down business spending.
Load sensors
alphaIQ sensors directly load to the gearbox, allowing all mechanical loads to be processed: torques, shear forces, speed thermal loads, wear and backlash. Customized software allows PC display of the variables. The sensor technology can be used to close the torque loop of a control system at the output.
Onboard intelligence provides condition monitoring for process pumps
The i-FRAME provides operations personnel, maintenance managers, and reliability engineers with early warning of trouble so that changes to the process or machine can be made before failure occurs.
PTDA reports growth for power transmission/motion control industry in 2007
The Power Transmission Distributors Association released this week year-end sales data for distributors and manufacturers of power transmission/motion control products, reporting that distributors and manufacturers in North America experienced overall growth in sales in 2007.
Forecast: manufacturing growth to remain sluggish
The National Association of Manufacturers’ 2008 Economic Forecast released Wednesday points to, “a recession being averted, but a significant deceleration in GDP growth through the first half of this year due to surging energy prices and a slowdown in corporate profits that will hold down business spending.”
What in the world are engineers reading? Depends on where you are
The influence of PlantEngineering.com on American manufacturing is well-documented. In parts of the world where Plant Engineering magazine isn’t available, PlantEngineering.com is still known as a trusted source of information, and international plant managers from every corner of the planet are using the Website in increasing numbers.
Metric bearings
Super Ball Bushing bearings are now available in metric sizes 16, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 millimeters. The precision bearings have a coefficient of friction as low as 0.001, which allows users to employ smaller and less expensive motors, belts, gears and ball screws when replacing high-friction, plain bearings.
Motor bearing protection ring
The split-ring version of the AEGIS SGR Bearing Protection Ring comes in halves for easy field installation with little or no disassembly of equipment.
Angular-contact ball bearings
Single-row, angular-contact ball bearings feature high radial and axial load capacities, high speed capabilities, and a steep contact angle of 40 degrees to meet performance requirements in centrifugal pumps.
Rotary parts washer
The Orbit 1000 rotary cleaning system is equipped with touchscreen controls, a 1,000-pound capacity turntable and powered opening and closing of the wash chamber cover.
As time goes by, emphasis on manufacturing precision grows
“This day and age we’re living in Gives cause for apprehension With speed and new invention And things like fourth dimension. Yet we get a trifle weary With Mr. Einstein’s theory. So we must get down to earth at times Relax, relieve the tension.” “As Time Goes By,” words and music by Herman Hupfeld The scope and pace of today’s plant engineering funct...
Incremental encoder
The DFS 60 high-resolution incremental encoder features hollow and blind hollow shaft clamping, a radial or axial cable outlet, an integrated stator coupling in spring steel, a large distance between ball bearings and a maximum of 65,536 lines. Electrical isolation between motor shaft and encoder increases interference immunity and reliability.
Brushless servo motor, control
The BSM series of adjustable speed brushless servo motor and controls features quieter operation, less maintenance and tight speed regulation. Adjustable speed packages are available from ¼ to 3 hp. The control accepts industry standard +/-10 Vdc or potentiometer input for speed command, and includes diagnostic LEDs and trimpot adjustments.
Gear reducer
The motorized TORQUE-ARM II right-angle, C-face, shaft-mounted speed reducer comes equipped with twin-tapered bushings. It’s designed to provide a sturdy, concentric grip of the driven shaft on both sides of the reducer, eliminating wobble and fretting corrosion that can typically occur with single-bushed, shaft-mounted reducers.
At the speed of light, the Web accelerates our communication
When PLANT ENGINEERING debuted in 1947, no one this side of Isaac Asimov saw how communications would change our lives. We had the radio and the telephone and some overseas cabling. And there was this new box you could bring into your house that produced a fuzzy picture of Milton Berle.
Planetary/helical gearbox
The MagnaGear XTR can produce torque ranging from 285,000 to 920,000 pound-inches and can be used with a variety of soft-start mechanisms, including variable-frequency drives and fluid complings. Parallel shaft or right-angle configurations are available. The unit’s modular design facilitates reversibility and multiple mounting configurations, and it offers cast-iron housings.
HV/LS fans
AltAir high-volume, low-speed fans are available in 9-, 12- and 15-foot diameters and are designed for cooling and heat destratification. The fans feature proprietary variable-pitch technology and Rotatair composite blades, along with variable-frequency drives. Users can control air movement by adjusting motor speed and blade pitch, adjustable up or down from 0 to 20 degrees.
Metal degreaser
EVR clean air solvent is designed for the use in bearings, brakes, controls, chains, cables, gauges, gears and hand tools. The solvent features high solvent strength, fast evaporation, low VOC content, compliance with the Southern California Air Quality Management District Rule 102 and California Air Resources Board/Ozone Transport Commission Rules.
Centrifugal screener
The Centri-Sifter MO is a medium-capacity centrifugal screener that features a cantilevered shaft with two externally-mounted bearings between the screening chamber and motor drive.
Bearing protection system
The AEGIS SGR bearing protection ring uses multiple rows of conductive microfibers that surround a motor shaft to provide discharge points and channel harmful currents away from bearings. Available in a range of sizes to accommodate most NEMA or IEC motors, it’s suitable for use on ac motors as large as 100 hp or 75 kW.
Variable-speed combustion blowers
The Nautilair Series 12.3-inch variable-speed brushless DC blowers introduce high-performance solutions for high-output gas-fired burner systems.
Bearings: A new roll to play
Rolling bearings in rotating equipment traditionally function to reduce friction with rolling elements, support shaft loads and provide system rigidity and shaft location. But the latest trends underscore a dramatic evolution in technology and significant improvements in design and engineering to enable bearings to contribute much more.
NMW delivers new products but lacked the thunder
Perhaps the biggest noise made at the 2007 National Manufacturing Week event in Rosemont, IL on Sept. 25-27 was the Tuesday morning thunderstorm that rolled through the Chicago area. The thunder and lightning was all outside. Exhibitors were hoping for a little more thunder and lightning inside. The 2007 event was the first year NMW had been co-located with the Assembly Technology show and the ...
Low-maintenance bearings
NA Poly-Round bearings are USDA-accepted and lubricant-free Class 3 plane bearings.
Motion Control Association releases second quarter industry statistics
Sales of motors, electronic drives, controllers, actuators and other motion control components are up 3.7% from the first quarter of 2007, according to results of a recent report.
Why air cylinders fail, (and what’s to be done about it?)
Pneumatics is typically the technology of choice for applications such as material handling and small-parts assembly, but new capabilities – including closed-loop control, precision pneumatic components and high-speed electronics – have made these systems more competitive with electrical and hydraulic closed-loop systems.
Vertical turning center
The You Ji YV-1200 ATC vertical turning center’s vertical column and base are made from Meehanite castings and are ribbed for reduced thermal distortion and vibration damping.
Adjustable speed brushless control
Brushless control technology for adjustable speed applications includes protection features such as RMS current, short circuit, electronic inrush, under and over-voltage, motor overload and MOV transient.
Brushless motors
The BSM25 and BSM33 brushless dc motors feature permanent magnets on the rotor and windings on the stator, allowing the motors to handle higher continuous loads without exceeding design temperatures.
Bearing isolator program tries on process plants
Under the terms of a new program, Rock Island, IL-based Inpro/Seal Company will supply interested process plants with up to 1,000 bearing isolators on a trial basis.
Power meter
The PM750 meter replaces analog meters and can be used for stand-alone metering applications in custom panels, switchboards, switchgear, gensets, motor control centers and UPS systems. The meter supports direct connection up to 480VAC Ph-Ph and measures power, energy and frequency, among other traits.
Motors – 2007-07-15
The Incodermotors family of permanent-magnet DC and brushless DC motors and gearmotors is equipped with encoders inside the motor. The pre-wired, motor-encoder combinations are designed for applications where low-res speed and position feedback is required. The 4.5-12V magnetic encoders are available with one or two hall sensor output signals in resolutions of 2, 4, 8 and 30 pulses/revolution.
Narrowing the Lean viewpoint
Many manufacturers passionately pursue Lean thinking. They drive waste from their manufacturing processes and encourage a culture of continuous improvement. And why not? Toyota has demonstrated that Lean is more than a fad – it’s a sustainable, competitive advantage. As Jim Womack and Dan Jones said in their 2000 book, “The Machine That Changed the World: The Story of Lean Pro...
Varnish: The cholesterol in your plant equipment
Consider it the cholesterol of industrial equipment, because what it can do to machinery is almost identical to what hard, plaque-like cholesterol buildup can do to the cardiovascular system. We’re not talking HDL here, folks. There’s nothing healthy about this stuff. Varnish is a nasty, hard, sticky substance that forms on the surface of machinery components.
Kevin Parker: Confidence as an attribute of good management
“What I look for is confidence, in people and in countries,” says Paul Orzeske, who, as general manager, EMEA, hires talent and makes investment decisions, among other things, for his employer, Honeywell Process Solutions, which in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) includes more than 2,800 Honeywell employees.
Precision metering system
The Servo-Flo 704-HV is a high-volume, continuous-flow, dual-gear metering system that precisely proportions, mixes and dispenses infinite volumes of two-part epoxies, polyurethanes, silicones and acrylics.
Pumps
The Composite Mag Drive Series of seal-less, non-metallic pumps is specially designed for crucial liquid containment applications, including chemicals and flammable liquids. The pumps are equipped with a magnet system featuring a patent-pending spline design that allows the magnet to self-align while floating on the shaft with no added fasteners.
Find the point of constraint to fix plant inefficiencies
Plant managers get more information than ever. For some, the issue is not measuring the performance of equipment as much as it is managing the mountain of data that comes streaming out of PLCs, probes and sensors. At its Performance Management Executive Breakfast on April 30 in Chicago, officials from Activplant, Microsoft and Deloitte discussed the idea of finding the places on the manufacturi...
Step motors
CT Series step motors use less power to provide more torque.uplings and load support bearings. High-voltage insulation allows the motors to be used with high-voltage, high-performance drives. Danaher Motion www.danahermotion.com.
Blow away waste in compressed air systems
Compressed air is one of the most commonly used industrial utilities, but also one of the most wasteful. A U.S. Department of Energy study noted that poorly designed and operated air systems in American factories waste from $1 billion to as much as $3.2 billion annually. And those statistics were compiled before energy costs began to skyrocket.
Reaching the Summit
PLANT ENGINEERING honored manufacturing’s outstanding new products and exceptional manufacturing facilities at its 2006 Product of the Year and Top Plant awards dinner April 2 at the Hotel Sofitel in Chicago. The dinner, part of PLANT ENGINEERING’s two-day Manufacturing Summit, featured awards for the 52 outstanding new products as selected by the magazine’s readers.
Honoring Excellence
To see all the 2006 Product of the Year winners, go to: plantengineering.com
Show Reviews
Reviews of industry trade show speakers, new products, exhibits, conferences and events for manufacturing plant engineers and managers from plantengineering.com.
Clutch/brake catalog update
A selection of magnetic capping headsets that are compatible with most OEM machines directly interchange with many major capping OEM machines has been added to the Precision Tork line of permanent magnet and magnetic particle clutches and brakes and is detailed in an updated catalog. Also new are stainless-steel magnetic clutches and brakes, featuring 400 series stainless steel bearings for harsh environments. In addition to detailed specifications, the catalog includes selection and engineering information and mounting arrangements.
Plugged into bright ideas
If a light bulb goes on every time a plant manager gets a great idea on how to save energy, it’s likely going to be a compact fluorescent light bulb. With reducing electricity costs a top-of-mind consideration, the curly bulbs are showing up in more businesses and homes. When a spike in oil prices worldwide drove gasoline costs to more than $3.
Motion control advancements drive flexibility, performance
Motion control is one of the fastest growing global automation technologies. With a compound annual growth rate of 6% expected in North America through 2010, motion control in the plant is becoming commonplace. Leading the way are vendors who now offer a wider variety of options that rely increasingly on electronic controllers to perform the intricate coordination of multiple axes of a machine.
Get better welds during plant maintenance
The ability to make good welds is vital to plant maintenance. However, for many plant engineers, welding is only a part of their jobs and a skill that is practiced as needed. Following are some tips to help you keep welding skills sharp and make high quality welds consistently. We’ll focus on MIG and stick processes, since they’re most commonly used for repairs.
Sealed linear ball bearings
Pre-lubricated sealed linear ball bearings are available in both compact and standard metric versions. All are fitted with integral double-lip seals to retain lubricant and protect against contamination. Seals consist of an inner lip that prevents lubricant from escaping within the bearing and an external lip that wipes the shaft surface as the bearing moves.
Plastic gear operator
Plasgear is the industry’s first thermoplastic gear operator, the company says. Constructed of composite plastic with a black urethane coating, Plasgear will not corrode or rust as a result of exposure to harsh chemicals. Available in sizes ranging from 1-1/2 to 14 inches, the plastic gearbox is suitable for use in a range of applications.
Seal grounds motor shaft
Motor Grounding Seal (MGS) uses carbon filament brushes within the seal to redirect shaft current past the bearing and through the end bell to ground. When VFDs are used with ac motors, voltage builds up on the shaft, forcing current to ground through the bearings, causing bearing degradation. The seal not only prevents shaft-current degradation, it also prevents contamination from moisture, du...
Stainless-steel servo-rated gearheads
Available in planetary and right-angle models, stainless-steel, servo-rated gearheads are specifically designed for use with its stainless-steel servo motors. Capable of handling IP66 and 1,500-psi washdown conditions, the gearheads are designed with low backlash to reduce shock loads in dynamic applications.
Adapter facilitates shaft grounding
AEGIS SGR conductive MicroFiber shaft grounding ring includes a mounting adapter to facilitate installation of the device on ac motors with shaft shoulders, slingers, bearing caps or end-bell protrusions. The adapter also streamlines installation of the SGR on new motors by OEMs. Slots in the mounting plate accommodate any NEMA or IEC motor frame.
Washdown motor
Picker-Plus electric washdown motor is designed for feather-picking equipment. It combines the company's patented HydroDuty features with the requirements of feather-picking applications. Motor features a rolled steel shell and a heavy-duty drive-end bearing, which has the capability to withstand severe side-load forces that occur in picker applications.
Ceramic ball bearings
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 produce less thermal expansion and conductivity, are lighter weight and noncorrosive.
Ground ball screws
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 parts in a range of applications for the automotive, aerospace, injection molding, instrumentation, medical and machine tool industries.
Heavy-duty ball transfers
Heavy-duty ball transfer units can be accessed easily for thorough cleaning or to replace internal ball components, according to the company. Their rework capability can extend product and service life and promote optimized performance over time in demanding applications. The ball transfer units are suitable for use in air cargo handling system, or they can be mounted on warehouse floors and other surfaces to enable movement of cargo and equipment.
An interview with Inpro/Seal founder David Orlowski
Interview with David C. Orlowski of Inpro/Seal Company Inc . --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David C. Orlowski is considered to be the “father” of bearing isolation technology.In 1977, he received patent protection (#4,022,479) for the original Bearing Isolator.
Water hammer in steam systems: cause and effect
Heat transfer systems in almost any form – hot water, high temperature oil and steam – require careful design and operation because of the temperatures and pressures involved. Generally speaking, steam systems are at their safest when condensate is efficiently removed. Proper steam system design, installation, operation and maintenance significantly decrease the potential for destru...
Synthetic greases
The company has upgraded its entire line of Mobilith SHC greases, a family of high-performance synthetic greases that are designed to extend the life of bearings. Formulated with proprietary lithium-complex thickeners, the greases deliver adhesion, rust protection and oxidative stability. As a result, the greases provide protection under demanding pressure and temperature conditions, helping ex...
High-pressure lubrication pumps
The BS-B lubricator is a robust, high-pressure, dual-line pump capable of delivering oil and greases up to NLGI No. 2 in harsh and severe conditions. It can be used with standard Farval dual-line valves as well as its new series of modular dual-line valves.
Mounting adaptor
Designed for use on any NEMA or IEC motor frame, the mounting adaptor includes a mounting plate to support the SGR and standoffs to provide clearance for bearing housings or slingers. Ordering the all-in-one package by motor frame size simplifies installation of the AEGIS SGR shaft grounding ring for electrical, mechanical and maintenance contractors.
Best practices in lubrication
Like blood coursing through the veins of living beings, lubrication is what keeps a plant’s capital investments operating smoothly and efficiently. At the same time, when lubrication becomes contaminated or depleted of its sustaining properties, overheating or exhaustion are among the problems that can occur.
Monitor induction motors to drive power quality
First of two parts Motors are essential pieces of electrical equipment. The most common of motors in use today is the poly-phase induction motor, with more than 90% of these being squirrel cage induction motors. The poly-phase induction motor is preferred for several reasons: Due to the significant capital and operational investments made by companies in induction motors — investments tha...
Have you changed your oil…program?
Like blood coursing through the veins of living beings, lubrication is what keeps a plant’s capital investments operating smoothly and efficiently. At the same time, when lubrication becomes contaminated or depleted of its sustaining properties, overheating or exhaustion are among the problems that can occur.
Troubleshooting techniques help keep ac induction motors running
When equipment in your plant malfunctions, you need to isolate the trouble quickly. Is the problem in the motor, or the starting circuit? In the August 2005 issue of PLANT ENGINEERING, “Take a step-by-step approach to analyze motor starting problems” looked at an organized process for troubleshooting electric motor starting problems.
Timing belt drive
Uhing Company AZ timing belt drives to better resist build-up of dust, metal filings and other airborne particles. Model AZ-2000 features plastic slide bearings instead of the metal rollers, accumulating less dust and debris. Developed specifically for use in the paperboard manufacturing industry, the AZ-2000 is recommended for other applications subject to airborne contaminants including grind...
Repair or replace? Make the right decision on motors
Motor failure is never a good thing, and it always occurs at the worst possible time. If there's a bright side, it's the chance to evaluate your repair and replacement options and "get it right" for the long pull. To make the best of this opportunity, you need to be aware of the available repair options and follow a logical process for making motor repair vs. replacement decision.
Restoring water-damaged electrical equipment
Editor’s note: look in the February issue of PLANT ENGINEERING magazine for more information on disaster recovery as well as exclusive coverage on how one company bounced back from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In the popular mind, water and electricity are considered incompatible, and for good reason. With the presence of dissolved ions, water provides an excellent conductor — but not generally where current is intended to go. Water can short circuit, break down and ultimately destroy electrical equipment.
Boeing’s Geary picked to head SME
Boeing engineering William J. (Willy) Geary, of Renton, WA has been elected president of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers for 2006. He is chief engineer, aircraft interiors, 737 program, at Boeing in Seattle.
Understand compressor types to make the right selection
Compressed air is often called the "fourth utility" when applied to industrial operations. However, unlike water, gas and electricity the consumer is also typically the producer. Becoming your own compressed air utility provider is as simple as buying an air compressor and installing the air lines and associated support equipment.
Energy Crisis — Real Solutions to Protect Your Business (November 2001)
Real Solutions To Protect Your Business Now CompressorsDoorsGearboxesMicroturbinesMotorsSubmeteringThermography Download the full Energy Crisis -- Real Solutions to Protect Your Business 17 page report (PDF).
Bearing fights corrosive conditions
Sealmaster PN Gold mounted bearings feature a high phosphorus, electroless nickel coated steel insert and a patented, multiple lip high performance seal that extends bearing life. These bearings were specifically engineered for industries with corrosive washdown environments. An exclusive pin and dimple system provides a direct lubrication path and ±2 degrees of misalignment.
Machine health monitor for data analysis
CSI 9210 Machinery Health Transmitter acquires vibration, temperature, motor flux and machine speed on ac motor/pump trains; analyzes the measured data; provides a quantifiable value that correlates to machinery health; issues alerts if necessary; and recommends actions to be taken. The device recognizes pump cavitation, bearing degradation, excessive synchronous vibration, and motor overloadin...
Machine vibration basics available online
The computer based training program on machine vibration basics covers the physical basis for vibration monitoring, vibration analysis through identification of discrete frequencies and clarifies why most anti-friction bearings fail prematurely and how failures can be eliminated. The training is interactive and downloadable, making it more cost effective than seminar attendance.
Breaker provides reduced fatigue
TE 706-AVR breaker offers high chiseling performance and reduced fatigue. It features a state-of-the-art brushless SR-motor and an active vibration system. The lightweight breaker takes the effort out of chiseling when working on walls or floors. The unit requires no carbon brush replacement, so intervals between servicing are longer.
Reliability is built in
Polaris air compressors feature a superior package design for ease of maintenance, state-of-the-art aerodynamics and a robust mechanical design that increases reliability. The compressor provides 100% oil-free air tailored to meet the individual needs of a variety of industries. Units include a horizontally split gearbox, pinion bearings and bull gear bearings for easy servicing.
Isolator protects bearings
Micro-Tec II bearing isolator has a microcellular filter to block out airborne and vapor contamination. A unitizing element ensures no internal metal-to-metal contact and there is no wear on shafts or metallic components. A Cam-Lock design allows easy installation without using an arbor press. The seal surpasses NEMA MG 1-2003 and IEEE 841-2001 standards.
Environmentally friendly compressor
Micro TurboMaster produces extreme energy savings by applying techniques such as a 70,000 rpm drive motor, air lubricated foil bearings and an inverter. It is environmentally friendly and produces oil-free compressed air, condensation and ventilation at decibel levels lower than some office workplaces.
Long-lasting lip seals wear well
MILL-RIGHT contact oil seals offer breakthrough wear, abrasion and chemical resistance over and above anything available on the market. In comparison with existing seals, these offer an improvement in wear life up to 90% which can easily double, triple or quadruple their useful life. More useful seal life means costly bearings last longer; machines run longer and need less maintenance.
Wireless monitor measures temperature, vibration
StatusCheck intrinsically safe condition monitoring system is designed to detect excessive levels of temperature and vibration in bearings, gears or machine elements that could lead to overheating and breakdown of critical equipment. The wireless product measures ambient temperature, has two-axis vibration detection, does not interfere with machine operation and comes with customizable software.
Improved pump efficiency goes right to the bottom line
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. Look at a similar industrial plant scenario. Many industries are extremely pump intensive.
Steel wire industry struggles as lubricating oil shines
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. Drawn steel wire prices increased 23.6% over the last 12 months, but did so without widespread support across major product lines.
Making production data work for you
Each year, manufacturers lose nearly $20 billion — or almost 5% of total production in North America — due to unscheduled downtime. Despite the increasing sales of data collection systems, this loss suggests that manufacturers still don’t know what is causing line problems and equipment failure. Over the last four to five years, manufacturers have invested heavily in sophisticated technology such as HMI and SCADA packages to help them better visualize and control the manufacturing process. However, these systems are designed to be an operator interface to your control system, and often have limited data collection and storage capabilities.
What you should know about grinding disks
Grinding disks are tools made of resin-bonded abrasive grains, reinforcing glass fabrics that give them mechanical strength and pores. The difference between them and other cutting tools is that they are self-sharpening. Abrasive substances are materials that, due to their hardness, eliminate either by rubbing or friction, a part of an object's surface to obtain accurate dimensions or a better ...
Take a step-by-step approach to analyze motor starting problems
When troubleshooting a faulty electric motor, time (or in this case downtime) is money. This notion was drilled into my head in my early years and has proven itself over and over again. Isolating the problem in the shortest amount of time saves costly downtime (and maybe even your job). The other point that has been permanently burned into my consciousness involves a different type of self-pres...
Brushing up on ac circuit fundamentals
Compared with dc theory, which was discussed in the May issue, the subject of ac theory is more complex. A dc current flows only one direction, hence the name direct current. With ac, or alternating current, electricity flows back and forth, switching polarity on the circuit conductors. Why ac? There are several benefits to ac, but power transmission is a big one.
In predictive maintenance programs, strategy comes first
All rotating equipment requires optimum installation, running conditions, and maintenance in order to deliver long life at the lowest cost to the operator or machine owner. With increasing interest in proactive approaches, predictive maintenance (PdM) systems have gained significant ground as ideal methods for gathering comprehensive intelligence on machine conditions and production processes w...
Margins continue to shrink in valve market
Increasing production costs continue to put extreme pressure on suppliers of operating materials and supplies. Luckily for the plant engineering budget, suppliers won't enjoy the big price hikes they want. Manufacturers of valves illustrate the situation. Over the last 12 months, the cost to manufacture one unit of industry output increased by 12.
Predictive diagnostic smart transmitter
CSI 9210 machinery health transmitter is the cornerstone of Smart Machinery Health Management and reportedly the first FOUNDATION fieldbus transmitter that diagnoses conditions including motor-pump bearing failure, coupling misalignment, motor electrical failures, pump cavitation, and pump imbalance.
Laser alignment hits the mark
Machinery and equipment with moving parts rely on mechanical alignment between these moving parts to run smoothly and efficiently. Often, machinery alignment is checked, deemed OK for manufacturing, and then forgotten -- at least until some event catches the attention of plant engineers. These events might be a slight decrease in production output, an unfamiliar noise or squeak, or some dramati...
Launching a motor management program
Some people think that if they buy a "good" motor they will almost certainly have a reliable motor drive system. This is not necessarily the case. To help ensure that your "good" motor will reliably do the job it was meant to do — and achieve its life cycle goals — a comprehensive motor management program must be in effect.
Power Transmission – 2005-02-10
Bearings ignore environment GRAPHALLOY self-lubricating bearings and bushings provide long life and maintenance-free operation running in high-temperature fluids, applications where wash down or steam cleaning is required, or where transient run-dry conditions exist. It does not swell when submerged or deform under load and retains tolerances regardless of temperature changes. Graphite Metallizing Corp. graphalloy.com Write 310 on PE card Intelligent pressure switches 33E and 33L pressure switches offer a maximum advantage in a variety of applications.
Fluid Handling – 2004-12-10
Steam system drawings CAD Centre is a greatly expanded online system used as a design aid for steam system engineering. It comprises a central online library offering component and application drawings for download in either AutoCad or Windows Metafile (.wmf) formats. Spirax Sarco, Inc. spiraxsarco.com/us Write 308 on PE card Test valves online Partial-Stroke Valve Testing package ensures the safe and reliable operation of emergency shutdown valves.
Construction, Buildings, & Grounds
Guard rails reduce costs Ultra-GuardRails made of thermoplastic and fiberglass materials provide strength comparable to steel but are virtually maintenance free. Lightweight, prefabricated lengths and end, line, and corner post kits provide fast, easy field fabrication with simple hand tools. High-strength, reinforced fiberglass body is coated inside and out with vinyl.
Material Handling – 2004-11-10
Hoist diagnostics are standard Demag DR rope hoist for cranes have an infrared interface in pushbutton stations for communicating directly with laptop or handheld computers. Pocket Demag Hoist Analyzer is preloaded with all necessary software to allow users to monitor service and diagnostic information, including technical data about the hoist and maintenance and error warnings. Hoist features include lifting speed of 24 ft/min with 4:1 reeving, and infinitely variable cross travel speeds to 120 ft/min. Demag Cranes & Components : demag-us.com TO VOTE, WRITE 6 ON BALLOT For more information, write 6 on card Drum storage easily expands Ultra-HardTop Plus outdoor drum storage units are available in 8, 12, 16, and 20-drum models.
HVAC – 2004-10-10
Dust collector stays on-line Model BDC dust collector is a self-cleaning, continuous-duty system available in eight sizes to fit a wide variety of requirements. Pulse-jet cleaning pulses-off captured dust and cleans the filter while the system remains online. With minimal pressure drop, the units multiple filter options maintain 99.99+% filtration efficiency. United Air Specialists, Inc.
Power Transmission – 2004-10-10
Safe hydraulics Qualified organizations can request a free Safe Hydraulics Seminar given by a trained instructor. The two-hour seminar covers inspection procedures, troubleshooting, hose performance characteristics, hose and coupling selection, hose assembly and installation, hose cleanliness, and crimper preventive maintenance. The instructor will also help develop safety procedures. Gates Corp.
Specifying inplant trailers
Trailers may look alike at first glance, but there are some significant differences that greatly affect performance and cost. The wise purchaser will study the differences and select the system that makes the best sense for the specific application. Obviously, there is no universal right answer. Design load factors The intended load is the primary consideration in specifying a trailer.
Electrical – 2004-09-10
DIN-rail enclosures DB series DIN-rail mount boxes are suitable for a wide variety of industrial applications and includes 8 sizes with 10-30 contacts in widths from 0.87 in. to 5.91 in. Boxes have card guides, ABS plastic housings are UL94V-0 flammability rated, and front covers have areas for labels or decals. Bud Industries, Inc.
Maintenance management legends
There are many paradigms and legends surrounding maintenance management in plants. Often, the legends are known to be untrue, but people live with them because it is politically correct, or simply convenient. To be successful in improving equipment reliability and maintenance management, plants must break the legends that exist in their organizations.
Thread locking technologies
Proactively treating threaded pipes and fasteners with thread treatment products is critical to efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. One of the major causes of industrial equipment failure, threaded fastener loosening, results in millions of dollars of unscheduled downtime costs each year. More than a billion gallons of industrial fluids are wasted through leakage each year.
Power Transmission – 2004-08-09
Belt maintenance A free Belt Drive Preventive Maintenance and Safety Program provides information to help avoid costly belt failures and increase production uptime. A belt maintenance and safety expert can be sent to your site to help maximize the efficiency and longevity of belt drive systems. Register at the site to request this preventive maintenance and safety seminar. Gates Corp.
Labyrinth bearing seals can offer cost advantage
It is argued that only contact seals, including lip seals and face seals, are able to hermetically seal a bearing enclosure.
Disposable compressor filters
During the past several years, compressed air users have become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact and associated costs of disposing of compressor fluid system filters.
Filtering hydraulic systems
Fluid power is one of the most reliable and repeatable forms of power and motion control. All that is required is a comprehensive state-of-the-art design and modern contamination control. When problems are encountered, 75% to 80% of the time they are related to inadequate contamination control practices.
Electrical – 2004-07-08
Static transfer switch SuperSwitch 3 digital static transfer switch monitors incoming power and can transfer power between two ac power sources in less than 4 msec. Unit features increased reliability, reduced maintenance time, expanded diagnostics, small footprint, enhanced graphical user interface (GUI), guided breaker bypass operation, and network or web communication options. Danaher Power Solutions, Cyberex div. danaherpowersolutions.com Write 300 on PE card Power connector family EPIC pin and sleeve connectors conform to IEC 309-2; are available in 20, 30, 60, and 100 A; and come in splash-proof (IP44) and water-tight (IP67) models.
Predictable price increases are expected
Three months ago we said that plant engineers wouldn't have to worry too much about higher prices ahead. Despite the fact that wholesale prices across the entire economy are rising, we stand by that prognostication. Indeed, we expect industry prices will increase, but will do so at rather sedate and predictable rates.
Electrical – 2004-05-10
Circuit monitors PowerLogic 3000 and 4000 series circuit monitors have been reengineered to include wave shape analysis and disturbance alarm data. Disturbance detection feature characterizes disturbances as upstream or downstream with a confidence indication displayed in an active alarm window, onboard event log, email, or error checking/correction html page. Schneider Electric us.squared.com Write 307 on PE card Inverter/PLC combo The 3G3MV-P10CDT-E onboard PLC installs directly on an Omron 3G3MV inverter to provide intelligence and autonomy for tasks such as positioning and synchronization. The combination of PLC and inverter eliminates the cost and delay of point-to-point wiring and saves panel space.
Power Transmission – 2004-03-10
Software chooses bearings Tapered Roller Bearing Selection Guide, Version 2.0 is a compact disk that allows users to analyze bearing selections for existing applications, calculate bearing life based on a variety of criteria, and save data in electronic, print, and report form. Users can conduct bearing searches and sort bearing lists based on bore, OD, load rating, and effective load center location. The Timken Co. , timken.com , Write 312 on PE card Rugged regulator 67CFSR stainless steel, instrument airset, pressure regulator has an accurate setpoint capability of 0_150 psig and can supply high-tech instruments and high-pressure actuators.
Price hikes expected for some industries, but not all
Twelve out of 19 industries that supply factory equipment and tools are under extreme pressure to raise prices. Plant engineers won't have to worry too much about higher prices ahead. Consider the situation in the motors and generators industry. In 2003, average prices for motors edged up 0.5%. Unfortunately for producers, this increase failed to offset the impact of a 2% hike in the cost of ma...
Improving lubrication practices
Many plant mangers try to ensure adequate lubrication of machinery such as hydraulic systems, gearboxes, and compressors.
National Plant Engineering and Facilities Management Show Product Preview
Label maker GlobalMark industrial label maker helps produce professional, full-color industrial grade labels and signs, on site, in minutes. Signs and labels such as OSHA and ANSI safety signs and warnings, equipment ID, and security warnings can be made on the spot. Lack of proper markings can cause equipment downtime or accidents. Brady Corporation , bradycorp.com Booth 616 Predictive maintenance SmartSCANNER is a joystick-operated combination tool for corrective and predictive maintenance that offers data collection and machine analysis and correction in one instrument and one database.
Bearing repair: An alternative to replacement
Bearing repair is not a new concept, nor has it changed a great deal over the years, and that's good news.
Electrical – 2004-01-10
Brushless servo Color 4-p brochure about BSM C-Series Brushless servo motors describes brushless servo motor design characteristics, dimensions, performance data, and mounting information. The brochure indicates that the C-series is available from 21 lb-in. to 70 lb-in.
Troubleshooting VFDs
Digital, solid-state, variable-frequency drives (VFDs) can be powerful tools in maintaining processes by using diagnostics to solve drive performance issues and troubleshoot related processes.
Power Transmission – 2003-12-10
Coupling info Configurator is an online tool that translates raw data into usable CAD drawings and dimensional data for various styles of flexible couplings used in applications including pumps, compressors, and gearboxes. Visiting the web site provides access to a database of more than 20,000 couplings with either inch or DIN metric specifications. Lovejoy, Inc. , lovejoy-inc.com , Write 304 on PE card Servo valves D634-P direct drive, servo-proportional valve offers the highest flow for applications where speed is required while providing safety, energy savings, and responsiveness.
Fluid Handing
Mag pump can run dry EZMAG is an ANSI metallic, magnetic drive pump. Chemical and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide bearings provide failsafe, dry run protection. Cartridge-mounted bearings result in fast and easy inspection and maintenance.
Maintenance Products – 2003-11-01
Coatings minimize risk of flash fires Sierra Performance Coatings have zero volatile organic compounds and are also free from hazardous air pollutants, solvents, and odors. The environmentally safe characteristics allow for application in areas with low ventilation or an open flame without risks of exposing employees to hazardous fumes, solvent odors, or flash fires. Coatings are available in a variety of epoxies, acrylics, and urethanes for use on exterior and interior metals, concrete, and other surfaces. Rust-Oleum Corporation : rustoleum.com , TO VOTE, WRITE 27 ON BALLOT For more information, write 27 on card Spray nozzle provides heavy-duty strength P-70 spray nozzle is lightweight yet industrial strength, weighs only 1.3 lb, and provides an adjustable spray pattern, instant shutoff when trigger is released, 150 psi, and a flow rate of 7 gpm.
Power Transmission – 2003-11-01
Tank breather controls contamination X-Series contamination control breathers are designed to remove water vapor and solid particles from outside air in extreme-humidity environments. With two check valves in the cap, the breather only allows air to enter a tank when the pressure is greater than 0.3 psi. Air is only released when the pressure buildup is greater than 2.1 psi, thus creating a closed system in an extreme environment. Fluid Protection Corp.
Electric, Motors, Drives and Controls
Gear motor operates with inverters Inverter Gear Motor line is designed for use with adjustable speed controls. Motors are rated at 3/8 hp, 230 Vac, 60 Hz, 3-phase, and an operating range of 10—90 Hz with a broad range of ratios in right angle and parallel shaft configurations. Features include spike-resistant magnet wire, induction-hardened gears, totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) construction, and IP20 protection. Baldor Electric Co.; Motors, Drives, and Generators Div.
Improved margins for supplies
Margins improved for nine industries that make factory operating materials and supplies and held steady for seven others. But plant engineers still face a challenging environment for buying supplies. Sporting a margin grade of F (see table, opposite), the surface active agents (SIC 2843) industry spends $57.
Instruments & Controls – 2003-10-10
Voluntary recall IDEAL Industries, Inc., Sycamore, IL, is conducting a voluntary recall of certain manufacturing lots of its voltage and voltage/continuity testers sold primarily in North America. The recalled units are tester models 61-065, 61-066, 61-067, 61-076, 61-079, and 61-080 manufactured in Sycamore, IL, and Ajax, Ontario, Canada, from November 1999 through May 2002. No other IDEAL tester, meter, or product is affected by the recall. There are reports of the solenoid shorting at higher voltages without warning and blowing the faceplate off the unit.
Combustion equipment and power losses–12 hard lessons learned from the blackout of 2003
Normal operations, and then poof, all power gone. No warnings, everything just went dead.
Synthetic oil in air compressors
Environmental concerns and the awareness of limited resources accompanied the shift away from reciprocating air compressors, which required enormous amounts of lubricant, and discharged it into the air and the environment. The shift to rotary and centrifugal compressors addressed these issues and resulted in greatly reduced consumption of lubricants.
Electrical – 2003-08-06
Low harmonic ac drive HR1018 is an 18-pulse ac drive that reduces the total harmonic distortion (THD) associated with drives that employ fewer pulses. Reducing THD minimizes interference problems in environments with sensitive electronic equipment and minimizes heating in motors, transformers, and wiring. The drive incorporates an integrally mounted 18-pulse transformer and features a comprehensive set of monitoring, maintenance, and protective functions. Saftronics, saftronics.com, Write 325 on PE card Busway systems An 8-p brochure features a complete line of nonsegregated phase busways for interconnecting groups of metal-enclosed or metal-clad switchgear, power transformers, and related electrical equipment.
Power Transmission – 2003-08-06
Turbomachinery The Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University is sponsoring the 32ndTurbomachinery Symposium. It will be held Sept. 8-11 at the Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.
Exclusive Guide to Synthetic Lubricants (July 2003)
Synthetics are the logical lubricant choice in a number of applications, including when: Man-made synthetics reduce wear by providing a more robust lubricant film in the load zone or nonconforming surface of bearings, gears, compressors, rotary shaft seals, vacuum and diaphragm pumps, valves, and hydraulic systems.
Customized preventive maintenance vehicles
In the typical U.S. manufacturing plant, tens to thousands of gallons of oil, lubricant, hydraulic fluid, and other essential preventive maintenance products must be dispensed on a regular, if not daily, basis.
Is a wave of price cuts coming?
Producers of factory equipment and tools are doing a mixed job of navigating troubled economic waters. Three industries (lift trucks, transformers, and motors) received a failing F margin grade in March 2003. Seven industries earned troubling D grades. Increasing costs as prices stall have been the cause of these margin troubles.
Guidelines for the proper use of lifting eyes
Lifting eyes, also commonly known as eye bolts, have widespread use in industrial plants. They are commonly used on dies, cabinets, compressors, heat exchangers, motors, molds, and other equipment to facilitate their movement, either when being installed or moved to a different plant location.
Power Transmission – 2003-05-06
All about hydraulics Three-day hydraulic training sessions are held from May to August throughout the country. They cover principles, pumps, motors, cylinders, fluids, valves, auxiliary devices, transmission lines/fittings, basic circuits, electro-hydraulics, and troubleshooting. National Technology Transfer, Inc.
Grades plunge to D and below
Overall, costs for manufacturers of factory materials and supplies continue to rise at a fairly brisk pace. In the three months ending January 2003, production costs rose 0.7%. That's a far cry from the 0.8% drop in costs that manufacturers enjoyed January 2002. The problem, of course, is that prices for the products sold did not keep pace with costs.
Electrical – 2003-03-15
Terminal block circuit breaker TCP thermal miniature circuit breaker provides overload protection in a pluggable package for electrical installations and devices. An integrated switching function allows tripped circuits to be reenergized immediately. The circuit breaker also can double as an on/off switch.
2003 National Plant Engineering & Facilities Management Show
The 2003 Plant Engineering & Facilities Management Show is one of six events taking place during National Manufacturing Week, which also includes the National Design Engineering, National Enterprise IT, CleanTech 2003, National Industrial Automation, and Technology Transfer shows.
Power Transmission – 2003-01-15
Bearing problems web site A web site, tec.nsk.com , is available for maintenance professionals who need definitive answers to bearing questions. It has six sections, including a troubleshooting segment that provides photos of bearing failures and the steps to take to avoid them and a handbook section with extensive information on bearing handling, lubrication, and more. NSK Americas Am.nsk.com Write 303 on PE card Hydraulics courses A series of training courses is designed for those who maintain hydraulic systems.
Hazard evaluation
Hazard evaluation (HE) can be defined as the systematic identification and analysis of hazards associated with a given product, machine, or process. It involves identifying the hazards and the failure modes that allow these hazards to cause injury, in addition to determining the exposure of the hazards and the severity of the hazard consequences.
Selecting cable and hose carriers
Cable and hose carriers are a practical way to protect multiple electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other cables and hoses on moving machinery from premature wear and fatigue due to flexing and abrasion. At the same time, they can improve the appearance of equipment by keeping cables and hoses neat and orderly.
PdM systems predict future of new equipment
Spectacular gains in maintenance efficiency and dollar savings have resulted from integrating modern predictive maintenance (PdM) management systems into existing facilities. Yet, the use of PdM to predict the useful life of brand new machines promises to save organizations even more money. Just last year, DaimlerChrysler's Toledo North assembly plant avoided costly downtime by accurately pre...
Instruments – 2002-11-15
Click above to view 2002 Product of the Year finalists in this category.
Power Transmission – 2002-11-15
Click above to view 2002 Product of the Year finalists in this category.
2002 Planning Guide
PLANT ENGINEERING's online 2002 Planning Guide lists the lead article, major features, special reports and advertising sections appearing each month. Links to details of some upcoming feature articles are included.
Power Transmission – 2002-10-15
Drive belts Six free brochures provide information on Walther Flender's polyurethane synchronous belt drives, PowerGrip HTD, GTMR/GT2, and Poly Chain; synchronous belt drives, synchronous polyurethane belts and drives for linear motion, and PowerGrip standard synchronous belt drives. Each brochure contains product specifications, use and maintenance instructions, and engineering notes. Call 203-544-8301.
Rebuild, upgrade, or replace that gear drive?
Cost is only one of many factors that enter into the decision of what to do when a gear drive fails or shows signs of damage from premature wear. The wide range of choices available means that, for the most part, there are few obsolete gearboxes. It is increasingly important to expand what was once an either/or decision to "rebuild it or replace it" by considering other options, including: On ...
Suppliers can’t afford to reduce prices
Three months ago we wrote that buyers of factory operating materials and supplies had a great opportunity to argue for price cuts. Back then, among 19 industries that we studied, 16 could afford to cut average industry product prices while still maintaining reasonable margins. Now, only four industries can do so.
Fluid Handling – 2002-09-15
Insulation A spec sheet in CSI format describes CrimpWrap crimped pipe and tank wrap, a unique, flexible insulation for pipes and vessels with service temperatures from 35 F to 850 F. The product can be used in place of preformed pipe insulation, which normally must be stocked in many sizes and thicknesses. Crimp technology was proved in Europe.
Compressed Air – 2002-09-15
Helpful guide "Cost savings with Compressed Air System Maintenance" is a step-by-step helpful guideline for any industrial facility that uses compressed air. This full color, 8-p reference manual outlines maintenance activities for each component in the system including compressors, dryers, drains, and aftercoolers. Kaeser Compressors , Inc.
Suggestions and Solutions – 2002-08-08
No air problems 24/7 ES Millennium is a total, but flexible solution for managing multiple compressor installations. Through a novel 24-hr service concept, intelligent machine control, and extensive remote monitoring, Atlas Copco can take full responsibility for the entire compressor room. Atlas Copco Compressors, Inc . atlascopco.com Write 251 on PE card A thread in time... MRO Thread Repair Kit includes everything needed to make a quick, permanent repair to damaged threads, including thread repair inserts, correctly sized drills and taps, and an installation tool. Intended to offer on-the-spot convenience, each kit is packaged in a durable, transparent tube for storage in a toolbox or work area. Jergens, Inc.
Belt and chain tensioners
Power transmission belts and chains stretch in operation, up to 6% for belts and 3% for chains. If not compensated for, this stretch can lower drive efficiency down to 93%. Stretch also leads to power loss due to slipping belts, sheave wear, chain whip, and overloaded bearings. Belts and chains that run slack typically have their useful life reduced by 30%.
Product Intros – 2002-07-15
Pillow block suited for air handlers Air Handling Ball Bearing Unit has a 360-degree contact, concentric locking collar that reduces noise, vibration, and fretting corrosion. This provides long bearing life and permits the use of commercial grade shafting. A built-in torque indicator shows when the bearing is mounted concentrically with the correct internal clearance.
Understanding multimeters
Measurement of electrical parameters has evolved considerably during the past century. However the parameters we measure do not change. Measuring volts, amperes, and ohms can be done with an analog volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM) (Fig. 1.) or a digital multimeter (DMM) (Fig. 2.). VOMs VOMs are electromechanical.
Suggestions & Solutions – 2002-06-15 – 2002-06-15
Emergency response training HAZWOPER: Emergency Response Training for Employees is a program that provides emergency response teams with required HAZWOPER training. The program explains what is expected of team members prior to, during, and after a hazardous chemical incident, according to the five levels of involvement specified by OSHA. J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
Literature Offers – 2002-06-15
Hydraulic fittings A brochure with 10,000 products is divided into five categories: O-ring face seal fittings, tube fittings and adapters, flareless bite type fittings, international fittings, and NWD technology fittings. Easy-to-read technical illustrations of the complete line of steel and stainless steel hydraulic tube fittings and adapters are included. Brennan Industries brennaninc.com Write 316 on PE card Belt machines Ideal for use on stainless steel, aluminum, sheet metal, and non-ferrous metals, abrasive belt machines are covered in a 12-p brochure. Models are available with a top control handle, extra heavy duty air motors, adjustable speed air motors, and pressure bars. Dynabrade, Inc.
Literature Offers – 2002-04-15
Thermometers All Pro Bimetallic dial thermometers provide value and accuracy in 2 in., 3 in., and 5 in. sizes with polished stainless steel construction. The catalog features a line of Slip Fit bimetal dial thermometers, which slip into industrial-type liquid-in-glass thermometer thermowells and fit via a tapered bulb. Palmer Instruments, Inc.
Rotating unions
A rotating union is a unique product because it must be capable of containing pressure, sometimes very high, and withstanding corrosive fluids that can be at elevated temperatures, all the while rotating, sometimes at high speeds. This is possible through the use of almost perfectly mating seal faces.
Exploring onsite power generation technology and equipment options
Power outages can disrupt industrial production, destroy data, result in lost materials, and cost a manufacturing plant a boatload of money in lost revenue or spoiled products. Near-constant power is no longer a convenience — it is a vital necessity.Although utility power delivery has become more technologically sophisticated, utility power outages have increased in many areas of th...
Rotary screw or reciprocating air compressors: Which one is right?
Compressed air has become a vital utility in the day-to-day operations of most companies. Businesses are well aware of the need for compressors, but there is considerable debate as to which of the two most popular types -- rotary screw or reciprocating -- works best in an application. It is important to look at the similarities and differences between them to select the best one.
Conveyor prices hang tough
Price declines among manufacturers of factory equipment and tools are relatively rare. The prevailing maxim appears to be: he who keeps prices stable during a downturn will reap the upturn's margin windfall needed to stay profitable over the long haul. The industries in our quarterly report clearly reflect this rule.
Suggestions & Solutions – 2002-03-11
You'll get a belt out of this Belt Preventive Maintenance manual has recommendations for safe work practices and tips on the selection and care of synchronous belt drive systems. The 48-p, illustrated manual provides user information ranging from inspection to installation of V-shaped and synchronous belts. Each of the 12 sections offers helpful tips on reducing downtime, increasing energy savings, and controlling parts replacement costs. The Gates Rubber Co.
Literature Offers – 2002-03-11
Lift tables An extensive line of scissor lift tables designed to improve productivity and worker safety are featured in a catalog. Ideal for machine feeding, work positioning, assembly, order picking, and pallet loading, LS Series Backsaver lifts are available in basic sizes and capacities to lift and position loads to 6000 pounds at heights up to 56 in. Southworth Products Corp. southworthproducts.com Write 316 on PE card Test and measurement Keithley's electronic test and measurement instrumentation and data acquisition hardware and software are detailed in a full-color catalog.
Literature Offers – 2002-02-15
Air cleaner A full-color brochure features the TM 1000 TaskMaster portable air cleaner, capable of capturing pollutants and fumes from grinding, welding, cutting, and gluing using a variety of attachments. Attachments are shown, including articulated source capture arms in various sizes, dual articulated arms, downdraft table, backdraft hood, and long reach flexible hose with hood. Micro Air Clean Air Systems microaironline.com Write 316 on PE card Gas and equipment Specialty Gas and Equipment Reference Guide contains 320-pp of technical and safety information, and pure and mixed specialty gases and liquids for all types of scientific, industrial, and regulatory compliance applications.
Product Intros – 2002-01-15
Voltage logger only stores alarms AC Exception Voltage Simple Logger Model L215 is the ideal product to capture short-term events such as sags, swells, and dropouts. The logger samples input 10 times/sec and only stores data when an alarm threshold is reached, maximizing use of memory. The 65,000-point storage capacity can store more than 1000 events.
Power measurement devices and how they work
The measurement of electrical power has not changed much over the years. A volt is still a volt and a watt is still a watt. However, the devices used to measure these electrical parameters have changed a great deal. What was once mechanical is now electronic; what was once analog is now digital.
Cooling high-horsepower motors with heat exchangers
At first glance, a heat exchanger may seem like an unnecessary and unwieldy piece of equipment for an electric motor. However, the benefits of cooling large motors through a heat exchanger are numerous (Fig. 1.).Why cool motors?Thermal capacity is one of the primary application criteria of a variable speed ac or dc motor.
Energy Crisis Guide (special advertising section)
Real solutions to protect your business now. In this special advertising supplement, discover energy-saving solutions for compressors, doors, gearboxes, microturbines, motors and more.
Fluid Handling – 2001-11-01
Click on the above link to see Product of the Year finalists for this category.
Literature Offers – 2001-11-01
Fork level switch Solartron Mobrey describes the Squing 2 fork point level switch in a 4-p, full-color brochure. The Squing 2 incorporates a tuning fork that resonates constantly at its natural frequency, and any moisture change on the fork alters that frequency. In response, the liquid level switch changes the electronic output.
Power Transmission – 2001-11-01
Click on the above link to see Product of the Year finalists in this category.
Compressed Air – 2001-11-01
Click on the above link to see Product of the Year finalists in this category.
“Drive” Down the Cost of Power Transmission
We have seen that high- and premium-efficiency motors can provide dramatic savings over the course of a year's electrical consumption. However, the transmission elements, such as gearboxes, belts, and chain drives are often even more important to conserving energy efficiency."Look what happens when you connect a high- efficiency motor to a V-belt input shaft, a worm gear, and a V-belt out...
Literature Offers – 2001-10-01
AC motors Rockwell Automation showcases 1/3 to 2500 horsepower inverter-duty motors in the RELIANCE variable speed AC motors brochure. In addition to 16 photographs, the 6-p brochure includes a chart depicting motor styles and features available, the rating capability and typical applications of small RPM AC, V*S Master and large AC Global Series, and variable torque product lines. Rockwell Automation reliance.com Circle 316 Automation products Scientific Technologies, Inc. offers a 2001-2002, four-color guide featuring nearly 90 automation products in nine categories, including ultrasonic sensing, capacitance level detection, and continuous level measurement of liquids and solids.
Prices have room to fall
Buyers of factory operating materials and supplies have a near universal opportunity these days to argue for price cuts. Among 19 industries that we studied, 16 can stand to cut average industry product prices while still maintaining reasonable margins. The lubricating oils and greases (SIC 2992) industry provides the most dramatic example.
Demand down, but prices up
The end markets that purchase factory equipment and tools are slowing (or falling) noticeably now. For instance, in the 12-month period ending June 2001, end markets for welding apparatus (SIC 3548) fell 2.6%.With demand slowing so sharply, one would expect to see price inflation for equipment and tools slowing as well.
Graphite metal alloy bushings ‘beat the pulp’ out of maintenance costs
Installing graphite metal alloy bushings in an stock tank agitator helped an Ontario pulp mill save tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance costs and unplanned shutdowns to fix broken bushings.
Valve makers win in margin game
The list of industries in our factory operating materials and supplies report that are enjoying above-average margins is growing. Last time we reported on these industries we mentioned two with A+ margin ratings: wooden pallets (SIC 2448) and ball and roller bearings (SIC 3562). Now six more industries are reporting record high (A+) or near-record high (A) inflation-adjusted manufacturing marg...
Maximizing compressor maintenance intervals and energy savings
For many years, traditional compressor maintenance was scheduled with nothing more sophisticated than a calendar. A pressure gauge measured the air pressure somewhere in the package and an hour-meter tracked the number of hours the motor ran. A little more information was available from the compressor.
Simple Solutions – 2001-07-01
Safer holding Problem: Holding a drill press vise by hand is not always safe or convenient. What's a simple, safe way to keep the part being drilled in place? Solution: Make a fixture like the one in the illustration. It can be bolted or welded together using light angle or bar stock. The vise is positioned by sliding it left-and-right and by sliding both the vise and fixture front-and-back.
Economic slowdown hits tools
The economic slowdown has struck manufacturers of factory equipment and tools, but the hit hasn't been too severe. All 19 industries classified here as tools manufacturers saw their U.S. end markets slow in the 12-mo ending March 2001, but in most cases, the deceleration was miniscule. For example, the industry that makes instruments to measure electricity (SIC 3825) saw end-market growth sl...
Simple Solutions – 2001-03-01
Greasing bearings Staff Problem: Hand packing ball or roller bearings is a messy job.
Internet Connection
americanmeter.com American Meter has been a leader in the measurement and control of natural gas and other industrial gases since the very beginnings of industry. Today, we continue to fill that role as a member of Elster/AMCO.
How Gears Work
Gears are used in many mechanical devices to provide speed reduction in motorized equipment. A small, rapidly-turning motor can provide enough power for some devices, but not enough torque.
Literature Offers – 2000-12-01
Motors Comprehensive 264-p catalog is an easy-to-use reference on single and three-phase motors.
Power Transmission – 2000-11-01
Tool aligns V-belt pulleys SheaveMaster mounts magnetically to the face of a pulley.
Useful Web Sites for Plant Engineers
The Web has thousands and thousands of interesting and useful sites. Here's a starter list researched and selected by the editors of Plant Engineering magazine. No claims are made or implied as to the completeness of this list.
ProductIntros
Patching drywall Problem: A piece of drywall has a large hole that cannot be patched by spackling alone.
New Products – 2000-09-01
Wire marker printer produces up to eight lines E-Z-Coder wire marker printer is a small, portable unit for producing custom labels for wire, faceplates, outlets, and electrical components. It weighs 1.
Applying powered belt and roller conveyors for unit handling operations
Unit handling conveyors transport a variety of discrete items with a definable shape, such as packages, cartons, and totes, while linking receiving, storage, assembly, and shipping operations.
Primer on purging refrigeration systems
Key concepts Purgers are perhaps the least understood component in a large industrial refrigeration system.
When in doubt…Don’t mix bearing lubricants!
Key concepts Do not relubricate bearings before checking compatibility. Never mix greases with different thickeners. Check the amount of lubricant a bearing requires.
Guide to shaft couplings
The basic function of a coupling is to connect two shafts, end-to-end, inline, for the purpose of transmitting torque or power from one shaft to another, causing both to rotate in unision. This article details the types, advantages and limitations of shaft couplings.
How to ruin an electric brake
Key concepts Three common failure modes can have several root causes. Ignoring NEMA mounting tolerances accelerates brake wear. Read the mounting instructions first.
Plant Engineering Magazine’s Exclusive Guide To Synthetic Lubricants
Key concepts These lubricants reduce wear and provide long life. Synthetics can be formulated with a combination of features to satisfy specific application requirements.
Basics of flywheel UPSs
Today's electrical power systems are plagued by a variety of disturbances ranging from short-duration sags, swells, and transients to long-term interruptions.
Pump installation “To do” lists
A process engineer has selected a pump, chosen a vendor, and placed the equipment on order (Fig. 1). The project engineer begins managing the installation details.
Clean-in-place pump eliminates seals
C-Series eccentric disk pumps do not have mechanical seals, packings, or magnets, which eliminates leakage and reduces maintenance.
Gear drive has many sizes
A 4-p selection guide highlights the complete Quadrive product line. The brochure has product cut-away illustrations, graphs, schematics, and specifications. Available for horizontal and vertical mounting, the gear drives come in 11 sizes, with 1-61/2-in.
Bearing package senses speed
Survivor encoder unit integrates bearing and sensing functions in a housed unit to reduce maintenance. The compact design eliminates the need for a gear tooth sensor or rotary pulse generator.
Cam follower bearings
An 8-p brochure describes a line of cam follower bearings in inch and metric dimensions. Products are available in sizes from 1/2-10-in. and 13-90-mm dia. Emerson Power Transmission www.ept.
Saw clutch protects gear train
Orbital Super Sawzall model 6521-21 is an 11-amp, 0-3200 stroke/min, anti-vibration saw with an 1-1/4-in. blade stroke. A special clutch absorbs impact to protect the gear train, bearings, and other internal mechanisms.
Rotary screw air compressor basics
Key concepts There is no metal-to-metal contact, which minimizes wear. Variable speed drives match the performance of the compressor to demand and reduce power consumption. Installation is simplified.
Bearings resist corrosion
CRES family of mounted bearings uses SealMaster and Browning brand names.
Gearmotors include many features as standard
Series 1000 is a broad line of ac and dc fractional horsepower, inline gearmotors that bundle many standard features including all helical gearing, synthetic lubricant, and ball bearings throughout. Units are available in ratios from 3.
Roller bearing eliminates fretting
Oscillator roller bearing eliminates fretting (false brinelling) and increases bearing life under oscillatory service.
System guards against premature bearing failure
AquaGard system combines a seal with a moisture warning or control device to continually and actively protect rotating equipment against moisture damage to bearings and lubricants.
Price/cost/demand roundup
Average Product Prices1 Direct Mfg. Costs2 Growth in U.S. End Markets 3 Change, %, During 12-Mo Ending... and Margins Grade Change, %, During 12-Mo Ending... Industry SIC Jul 99 Oct 99 Costs are...
Impact tool is light and fast
MP2264 is a high power-to-weight ratio impact driver with the speed of a screwdriver and power of an impact wrench. The tool provides better operator control, less fatigue, and higher productivity.
Motor efficiency improved
Super-E premium line of motors has some efficiencies exceeding 96%. The improved efficiencies meet or exceed the new rebate levels established by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and followed by most electric utilities.
Negotiation opportunities on the rise
Factory managers who are buying equipment and tools have some great negotiation opportunities now. For example, consider the speed changers, drives, and gears industry. Suppliers in SIC 3566 have a habit of hiking prices in the fourth quarter.
System automates conveyor applications
Driveroll Automation includes all the power and control components needed to automate a conveyor system. The modular automation system combines motorized rollers and control devices. It uses 24-VDC electric current to power 1.9-in.
Package motorizes jib crane rotation
Roto-Mate motorizes the rotation of new or existing freestanding jib cranes and eliminates operator strain and fatigue.
Worm gear reducer sealed for life
Cobra worm gear speed reducer features an internal, neoprene diaphragm that collapses and forces warm air to be vented to the outside as the reducer runs without allowing contaminated air to enter the system.
Tools serve as temperature monitor for bearing heaters
Bearing Sentry I, II, and III serve as temperature monitors for all brands of bearing heaters. The products prevent overheating, which damages and reduces the life of bearings, and increases productivity.
Turbine agitator is easily customized
GT Turbine Agitator offers a wide variety of seal styles, double and triple reduction gear drives, mounting options, shafts, and impellers to fit every application.
Lubricant reduces bearing failures
Micropoly oil-saturated polymer helps stop bearing failures and reduces delays caused by equipment breakdown. The lubricant meets FDA specifications and has been approved by USDA for use in food processing equipment.
Motors and drives
Over 300 washdown duty motors and drives are detailed in a 24-p brochure. An exploded view of a washdown duty motor is featured, along with its electrical and mechanical design characteristics, performance data, dimensions, and connecting diagrams.
Price/cost/demand roundup for construction/repair supplies
Average Product Prices 1 Direct Mfg. Costs 2 Growth in U.S. End Markets 3 Change, %, During 12-Mo Ending... and Margins Grade Change, %, During 12-Mo Ending... Industry SIC Apr 99 Jul 99 Costs are...
Maintenance Tips & Tricks – 1999 – #20
Lip seals: Which way? Problem : You’ve just replaced a bearing and are now installing the lip seal. You don’t remember the orientation of the original, and it can be installed with either side out. Which way should it be installed? Solution : The answer depends on the type of lube system.
System aligns sheaves quickly
S-600 Sheave Alignment Package accommodates a wide range of deep groove and standard groove sheaves.
Shimming motors and gearboxes
Problem: More times than not, when shimming motors and gearboxes, several shims of varied thickness are required.
Lip seals: Which way?
Problem: You've just replaced a bearing and are now installing the lip seal. You don't remember the orientation of the original, and it can be installed with either side out.
Inflation in factory equipment and tools can be beaten
Inflation worries bedevil plant engineers who buy some key factory equipment. For example, the industry that makes mechanical power transmission equipment for industrial machinery pushed its average product prices up 3.4% between June 1998 and June 1999.
Comparing mechanical and electronic variable speed drives
Variable speed was accomplished by simple, yet complex, variable speed mechanical drives long before ac inverters or variable frequency drives (VFDs), vector drives, dc brushless controls, or integrated inverter/motor drives were available.
A better approach to failure prevention
The traditional maintenance organization is often regarded unfavorably because the need for it has been unpredictable. Its role is to fix problems after equipment fails.
Don’t lead, follow
Hexlube line includes a unique feature that allows relubrication through the hexagonal head of the cam follower, making relubrication in tight spots possible.
Bearings
Precision-machined bearings are featured in a 12-p brochure. A special section allows the customer to design a bearing based on type, outer ring profile, attachment, seal, and alternate material.
Machine keyways in-place on large shafts
Model 424 keyway cutting machine mounts on shaft diameters from 1 1/2-24 in. The tool uses standard 1/2-in.
Submersible pumps
A family of submersible pumps designed to reduce maintenance and operation costs is introduced in a 6-p brochure. The family includes sewage and grinder pumps.
Correcting machine misalignment and soft foot by laser
Is your rotating shaft alignment program making it difficult to achieve excellent tolerances? Are alignments taking longer than they should? Does your laser alignment system sometimes give unpredictable results? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the following information will be useful. Alignment systems Shaft alignment awareness has dramatically increased in the last 15 yr. This interest is largely due to intensive education, training, and advertising by institutions and laser shaft alignment manufacturers. The payback on an investment in precision shaft alignment is well known and documented. Laser alignment systems range from low-cost, low-performance, and bare-bones models to sophisticated machinery drive-train packages with graphics and prompts.
Blowers handle pressure and vacuum
The PD Plus line of heavy-duty blowers features models ranging from 3 1/4 - 12-in. gear size and 2 1/2 - 48-in. rotor length.
Oil seal also isolates bearings
STS oil seal doubles as a bearing isolator on many types of rotating equipment, such as double reduction gear boxes, worm gears, externally lubricated pumps, and sleeve bearing motors.
Spray helps mount/dismount bearings
Freeze Spray instantly freezes bearings and gears to -60 F, which helps mount and dismount interference fit mechanical components without damaging surface finishes.
Removing rivets
Problem: A riveted panel, ball joint assembly, gear motor, or similar item must be removed. Rivet removal is typically done by knocking the head off with a hammer and chisel, often resulting in damage to the surface or holes.
Five reasons to submeter electricity
Nothing can be managed until it is measured. And measuring electric energy use is crucial to bringing its cost under control. For most facilities, electricity use is measured at just one point: the utility electric meter.
Think motors and controls
A 102-p catalog is an easy-to-use resource for motor, gearmotor, and control needs. Every section includes specification and performance information, dimensional drawings, connection diagrams, and recommended mounting positions.
Seal isolates bearings from contamination
Defender series of bearing isolators use a noncontacting labyrinth design to seal bearings. The primary material of construction is PTFE, which has high temperature and chemical resistance. The seal is effective against both wet and dry media.
Bearing selection and lubrication guide
A bearing supports a moving load. The earliest bearings were probably logs placed under heavy building stones so they could be rolled into position. Lubricated axles in holes that elongated under load led to replaceable plain bushings.
Pulleys replace external belt conveyor drives
Dura-Drive Plus motorized pulley design is a heavy-duty drum motor in which the body rotates around a stationary shaft. The rotating outer drum becomes the pulley drive to power a conveyor belt system.
Rebuild a bushing
A repair kit for Nyliner bushing bearings reduces maintenance costs up to 75%. The kit contains two Nyliner polymer bearing inserts, repair tool, and replacement instructions. Thomson Industries, Inc., www.thomsonindustries.
Speed reducer excludes outside air
Cobra worm gear speed reducer features an internal neoprene diaphragm that collapses and forces warm air to the outside as it runs without allowing contaminated air to enter the system. Internal pressure remains constant, which prevents seal leaks.
Understanding hydraulics
Hydraulics has become an integral part of modern drive and control techniques and is extremely suitable for regulating linear and rotating movement, both for large forces and precision movement with speed.
Tensioning belt drives
Whack the belt with a karate chop, and if it feels firm, the drive is properly tensioned." "Press the belt with your thumb until it deflects about 1/2 in." "Tension the drive until you get a slight bow in the slack side when it is running.
Power of the web
The Information Age has brought about changes in the way we do our jobs that many of us never could have predicted even 5-yr ago. Our reliance on the internet for information and communication purposes has entered the realm of everyday use.
Lots of maintenance information
A free mini-catalog of plant engineering and maintenance CD-ROMs, job aids, training videos, and books is available.
Frequency inverter simplifies motor wiring
Movimot geared motor with built-in variable frequency inverter replaces the existing terminal box, reducing complicated wiring and simplifying installation and maintenance.
Keep on rolling
A free catalog contains information on all types and sizes of ball and roller bearings for standard and critical applications. Ball bearings include single row deep groove, single and double row angular contact, and double row self-aligning.
Split bearings
A 6-p brochure explains split cylindrical roller bearings with all the inherent features of cylindrical roller bearings, plus the added advantage of being precision machined into halves. This arrangement allows for most efficient use of space.
PLANT ENGINEERING COST INDEX* – 1999-01-01
Change, % Current Month Year Facilities group index ago ago Clay construction products 145.3 0 0.6 Electric devices 149.7 0.7 1.8 Foundry and forge products 134.7 -0.2 0.5 Glass 106.9 0.1 -1.
Stock motors
In-stock motors in over 5000 ratings are covered in a catalog of 250+ pp. Both standard EPAct and premium efficiency motors are included, as well as crusher duty, washdown, and pump motors.
PLANT ENGINEERING COST INDEX* – 1998-12-01
Change, % Current Month Year Facilities group index ago ago Clay construction products 145.3 0 0.8 Electric devices 148.7 0.4 1.8 Foundry and forge products 135 0 0.7 Glass 106.8 -0.2 -1.5 Gypsum products 180.1 0.7 3.
Seal protects bearings
Air Mizer and VBXX bearing isolators are used with machine tool spindles and other high-contaminant applications. They protect bearings from coolant, chips, humidity, and heat. A reverse interface prevents direct impingement of moisture and contaminants.
Make machines move
A 72-p product catalog details machine and ball screw actuators. Descriptions, application histories, and an engineering guide serve as a technical source for the selection of miniature, machine screw, self-contained, and ball screw actuators.
Large ac motor line uses three enclosure types
Titan II ac motors are available in ratings through 2000 hp in 5000 and 5800 frames and ODP, WPI, and WPII enclosures.
IR inspection system simple to apply
InfraRoute II total IR inspection system provides effective analysis of bearings and motor components and can assess power transmission components.
Mounted ball bearings never require relubrication
Bev Dry mounted bearings have no provision for relubrication and are designed to run longer that way. The synthetic grease used has twice the stability of standard products. Spring-loaded oil seals exclude contamination and retain synthetic lubricant.
Probe measures voltage and current
The 348SP shaft probe makes it convenient to measure the levels of voltage and current present on rotating motor shafts.
PLANT ENGINEERING COST INDEX* – 1998-10-01
Change, % Current Month Year Facilities group index ago ago Clay construction products 145.3 0.3 1.0 Electric devices 147.9 0.0 1.5 Foundry and forge products 135.1 -0.1 0.7 Glass 105.9 -1.9 -2.4 Gypsum products 178.1 -1.0 5.
Flange bearings replace ball type
FrelonGOLD lined flange bearings offer several performance advantages over ball bearings, including up to 20 times the load capacity of a linear ball bearing; simultaneous linear, rotary, and oscillating movement; 15-30% lower cost; maintenance-free operation, and extreme temperature range (-400-500 F). Pacific Bearing Co. www.pacific-bearing.com.
Update: Handheld multimeters
The five core functions of handheld multimeters have always been to measure ac and dc voltage and current, and resistance.
PLANT ENGINEERING COST INDEX* – 1998-09-01
Change, % Current Month Year Facilities group index ago ago Clay construction products 144.9 0.2 1.1 Electric devices 147.9 0 1.5 Foundry and forge products 135.2 0.1 0.6 Glass 107.9 0.7 -0.2 Gypsum products 179.9 2.3 6.
Bearings resist water damage
AquaSpexx bearings in sizes up to 28-in. OD resist damage from rust and water-etch corrosion. Performance increases up to 50% are expected. The Timken Co.
Wire rope hoists reduce maintenance requirements
SH models 3, 4, and 5 use cylindrical squirrel cage motors and maintenance-free gearing to reduce downtime. Worker and payload safety are enhanced with a twin-disc magnetic brake and gear-type upper and lower limit switch. Capacity ranges up to 100 tons.
Reworked are good as new
Bearing Rework Service brochure explains how users save up to 75% of a new product's cost and receive a new bearing warranty.
Pump design provides long service life
Universal II pump design includes a heavy-duty bearing frame, large diameter shafts in the seal area, and double-tapered roller bearings to enable precise rotor movement and long seal life. The rotor/shaft connection is sealed from the product zone.
Probe detects electric causes of bearing failure
Model 348SP shaft voltage/currents probe detects premature bearing failure due to excessive motor shaft currents. If the amount detected is excessive, corrective action is taken to avoid further bearing damage.
Bearings handle heat and chill
DU self-lubricated bearings operate at temperatures from-328-536 F, beyond the scope of most liquid lubricants. A 64-p color catalog describes DX prelubricated and DU bearings and their applications. Garlock Bearings, Inc.
Fan bearings
Split roller bearings offering high speed and excellent sealing capabilities in fan and blower applications are covered in a 6-p brochure.
Linear guides
A 186-p catalog features 17 types of linear guides and serves as a reference tool for specifiers.
Do your bearings have the shakes?
The Bearing Expert interchange and vibration frequency database is available at www.sourceindex.com.
Plant Engineering Cost Index
Change, % Current Month Year Facilities group index ago ago Clay construction products 144.5 -0.8 0.8 Electric devices 147.6 -0.2 1.4 Foundry and forge products 135.1 0.1 0.7 Glass 107 -0.3 -1.1 Gypsum products 173.9 1 0.
They got a lot of brass
A 54-p catalog lists stock cast bronze bushings and sleeve bearings, tubular and solid bronze bar stock, large diameter bronze tubes, bronze plate, aluminum bronze bushings, powdered metal bronze products, and metric sleeve bearings.
Drive products
A products and services guide summarizes a complete line of industrial power transmission machinery and services, including gear drives, couplings, and fluid couplings and drives.
Better bearings
A repair service handles radial, thrust, and multirow cylindrical roller bearings up to 132 in. in diameter. Inspection, evaluation, and nondestructive testing are done free.
Gear lubrication
An 84-p brochure explains the fundamentals of lubrication for all common types of gears and associated bearings. Behavior of both mineral oil and synthetic lubricants is discussed, followed by an extensive product selection guide. Kluber Lubrication
Handling hot bearings
A 24-p brochure focuses on bearing solutions for high temperature applications. The literature profiles deep-groove ball bearings and other products designed for wheel and roller applications in harsh environments.
Maintenance ideas
Useful maintenance tips are featured in a free folder. Questions are answered on a variety of topics, including corroded bolts, frozen brake lines, hot or frozen bearings, and rust removal. Kano Laboratories www.kanolabs.com
Pump design allows for easy mounting
Universal II pumps for sanitary applications combine three-way mounting versatility with a rotor/shaft connection sealed from the product zone.
Synthetic lubes
Over 100 lubricating products -- mostly synthetic -- are described in a 10-p brochure.
Select, link, drag, and animate
A free CD-ROM includes a selection utility for a line of speed reducers and gear motors, link to Autodesk CAD drawings for viewing or "drag and drop" of the selected unit, catalog pages of the product line, and video animation the CYCLO modularity principle. Sumitomo Machinery Corp. of America www.smcyclo.com.
Mounted bearings meet metric standards
Metric-Skwez hard ball bearing mounted units engineered to metric standards have a locking collar which centers the shaft in the bearing bore.
Linear bearing
A rebuildable Nyliner bushing bearing is detailed in a 4-p technical bulletin. The literature explains how the bearing's unique design uses two self-lubricating engineered polymer snap-in inserts to provide fast breakin, reduced wear, and long life.
Conveyor roller reduces package ink pickup
Series 1.700 Anti-Litho conveyor rollers reduce ink buildup and provide maintenance-free operation in packaging operations.
Programmable lubricator serves multiple points
Motor driven, positive displacement, programmable lubricators service up to four points on bearings. The system includes a pump station and screw-in disposable grease module (reservoir) to deliver precise lubrication and maximum flexibility.
Finding a linear guide
A free color wall chart that showcases 14 types of linear guides is available. Guides featured on the 21 1/2 X 31 1/2-in.
How should you deal with an on-the job sleeper?
What discipline is proper for an employee caught sleeping on the job? Dismissal? Suspension? Or should each case be decided on its merit? "In general," says Educator/Consultant/Arbitrator Leonard J.
BRONZE WINNERS
ELECTRICAL POWER Extech Instruments Corp. CMM-15 multimeter ELECTRIC MOTORS, DRIVES, AND CONTROLS Horton Industrial Products, Inc. Air Champ FMBES motor brake LIGHTING Venture Lighting Intl.
PLANT ENGINEERING COST INDEX* – 1998-04-01
Change, % Current Month Year Facilities group index ago ago Clay construction products 144.7 0.6 1.6 Electric devices 147.5 0.4 2 Foundry and forge products 134.9 0 0.7 Glass 107.5 -0.8 -1.1 Gypsum products 171.6 -0.
SILVER WINNERS
ELECTRICAL POWER International Computer Power Dynamic Energy Storage System ELECTRIC MOTORS, DRIVES, AND CONTROLS Reliance Electric/Rockwell Automation IQ PreAlert intelligent motors LIGHTING Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc., Distribution Products Div.
Keep your balance
Video-based series of instructions enables maintenance personnel to balance machinery inplace, without dismantling the equipment or removing the rotating element to a balancing machine.
Determine bearing condition on the spot
Bearing Analysis Kit enables on the spot assessment of bearing and machine condition.
Find your own speed
A free 548-p catalog describes a complete line of helical speed reducers and gear motors. The eight sections include descriptive information, selection and specifying data, and outline dimensions.
Hydraulic jaw pullers
New 6, 8, and 11-ton hydraulic jaw pullers are the latest addition to the Grip-O-Matic line. The tools simplify the pulling of press-fit parts, including bushings, wheels, bearings, gears, and pulleys. Power Team www.powerteam.com
New greases reduce bearing failures
Six new greases solve several bearing problems. Multi-Purpose extends relubrication periods for all general applications. Hi-Load provides long-lasting lubrication for heavily loaded bearings or those subjected to shock loading and vibration.
Hybrid Chiller Plants Can Curb Operating Costs In A Deregulated Environment
Deregulation of the electric utility industry opens the door to a $190 billion market. Although many aspects of deregulation are still unsettled, one certainty is that it will develop a competitive environment for power generators.
Don’t blow your bearings away
Air Handling Ball Bearing Units is a 12-p brochure that describes a broad line of products. Bearing selection data, including shaft diameter, dynamic capacity, fatigue load limits, and speed ratings, are provided in chart form.
Replacement bearings
Antifriction bearings offering extended life are covered in the 12-p booklet "A Simple Way To Improve On The Original." The literature explains how using replacement bearings helps improve the productivity of the original equipment. NSK Corp.
