What you’re talking about online:

By Plant Engineering Staff December 1, 2008

On our searchable Website content:“Your articles are amazing! It helped me a lot with my research about different kinds of valves and actuators and how this stuff works with other mechanical devices. Again, thanks a lot!”

On the story, “Create a roadmap for proper pump maintenance:”“A helpful guide to anyone maintaining a pump but one very important detail is missing: Driver to pump shaft alignment. The better the alignment the less wear and tear on the motor bearings, pump bearings and you’ll get better service life from your mechanical seal if your pump is so equipped. Our rule of thumb for alignment is 0.003” offset and angular for 3,600 rpm and 0.005” offset and angular for 1,800 rpm.”

On the story, “Asset management leverages smart wireless devices:”“Although I agree with the ROI with wireless systems, I would have to add that there are security issues with wireless systems. Control Engineering’s April 2007 issue lists the top 10 control system security threats based on work done by the North American Electric Reliability Corp. Anyone providing ROI estimates for using wireless devices within their facility needs to take into consideration the added cost of maintaining security.”

On Bob Vavra’s blog, Five Fast Things:“Small manufacturing has to step up. We’ve got to keep them moving or many jobs will be at stake.”“There is no train coming unless we make it ourselves. Get small manufacturing moving, buy American, get out of the two wars, cutout overseas bases, downsize defense and stop sending our money overseas for oil.”“What’s missing is American distribution, or rather American companies willing to step up and support the small American manufacturers who are already innovating new products but can’t afford to play the games designed to keep them out of their customer’s hands.”