Mike Sondalini — Thought Leader

What readers will learn in this article.

• The purpose of shaft couplings and how they work.
• What to consider when selecting shaft couplings.
• Maintenance issues with using couplings.

[Read more…]

Many of the chemicals we deal with each day are dangerous and need to be handled correctly and safely. Safe use of dangerous goods includes recognising when situations can arise where the consequence of a failure or error will result in danger to life, property or the environment. One of the methods used to minimise risk when dealing with dangerous goods is by separation and segregation.

Keywords: Hazard, storage facility, control, emergency plan, MSDS, material safety data [Read more…]

Steam is often used for heating liquids. Heat is provided to a liquid either through a heat exchanger or by direct injection of raw steam. The injection of steam directly into the process is known as steam sparging. The sparge design and location affect the efficiency of the process.

Keywords: boiling, heating water, temperature increase, injector, lance, boiler pressure, properties of steam.  [Read more…]

The differential pressure transmitter (PT) is used to detect a head of pressure.

The sensing element is connected to the process by pipework and flexes in proportion to the pressure. The resulting distortion produces an electric signal that is amplified and converted to a value on a read-out.

Keywords: pressure sensor, strain gauge, tank level, process pressure, pressure difference.  [Read more…]

Here are the things to watch out for when you need to fabricate platforms and walkways. 

Stairs, walkways, platforms, and ladders are required to be made to the Australian Standard AS 1657-1992. This standard specifies the design requirements and the materials of construction to be used.

Keywords: deflection, allowable load, live load, guard rails, connections, treads.  [Read more…]

Written with assistance from Ben Karel of Fusion Engineering Plastics 

Pty Ltd. Unit 1, 7 Dobra Rd, Yangebup WA ph (08) 9494 1004

Abstract

Welding can join thermoplastic parts together. It can be by melting the surfaces and pressing them together or by extrusion welding with a filler rod.

Several methods of welding are available. Proper manual techniques are critical to success as is the pressure testing of pressure parts.

Keywords: electro-fusion, butt welding, electro-socket welding, hot air gun, melt temperature. [Read more…]

Radar level detectors are becoming a popular technique for tank level detection of liquids.

The radar sends a sub-millionth of a second pulse from an emitter and the return signal is detected at a receiver.

The reflection’s time lapse is measured and electronically converted to a distance from the liquid surface. Installation peculiarities need to be understood and appreciated in order to provide a reliable operating set-up.

Keyword: antenna, spurious reflection, reference plane, emission cone.  [Read more…]

The work order report is the maintainer’s opportunity to advise the engineer what problems exist with equipment out in the plant.

It can also provide an accurate record of what was found during the repair. This makes it important that work order reports are completed in detail and are reviewed by managers and engineers.

Keywords: CMMS, computerized maintenance management system, breakdown, corrective, work order, implementation. [Read more…]

Book being reviewed is “Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Handbook 3/E” by Doc Palmer and published by McGraw Hill, presents the recommended way to plan for a maintenance crew.

Keywords: maintenance planning, scheduling, planner, performance, productivity, planner. [Read more…]

Polyethylene is one of the most commonly used engineering plastics.

Its chemical resistance properties and ease of fabrication make it popular in the chemical industries. Its molecular structure provides the key to its versatility.

Keywords: HDPE, long chain macromolecule, thermoplastic, plastic welding. [Read more…]

One method to provide a formal means of appraising people’s performance is by using performance reviews. The employee and manager together use a structured check sheet to work through keys duties of the employee.

They address both the good, and not so good, aspects of performance. The end result is an unbiased assessment of the employee’s current performance and a plan to improve it over the coming year.

Keywords: rating scale, verifiable, performance standards. [Read more…]

Chain drives are used when precise speed ratios are required between the driver and driven shafts. A chain drive allows no slippage. An example is on a gearbox driving a conveyor. Chain drives are also used when a large amount of power is required through the drive. For example the drive on large rotating kilns. [Read more…]