Machinery & Equipment MRO December 2014

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

Vol. 30, No. 6

DECEMBER 2014

What’s best for drives?

BELTS versus CHAINS Simple steps to improve reliability Understanding how high-temp grease works Mine chooses interchangeable motors and drives

Mail Agreement #40069240

Dual-ticketing of trades a winning strategy for mill Alignment method shaves downtime Focus on oil/gas/mining MRO Focus on industrial lubrication

WHAT’S NEW 1 p01 DEC 14 MRO Cover.indd 1

BELT & CHAIN DRIVES

LUBRICATION

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P R O D U C T

SP TLIGHT

Machinery & Equipment MRO

Bearings offer increased performance and efficiency

Schaeffler’s X-life products are characterized by significantly higher dynamic load ratings than previous standard products.

Under the same operating conditions, the operating life of X-life bearings is significantly longer or, alternatively, higher loads can be applied, while maintaining the same rating life values. In addition, friction is less, bearing temperatures are lower and the strain placed on the lubricant is reduced. FAG axial and radial spherical roller bearings in X-life quality, which are used where very high loads have to be supported and shaft deflections or bearing seat misalignments have to be compensated for, are characterized by increased

robustness and load-carrying capacity, lower friction levels and greater efficiency, in addition to a longer rating and operating life.

Schaeffler Group Online Reader Inquiry No. 622

Stainless steel lifting jacks built for harsh environments

All exposed surfaces on Joyce/Dayton stainless steel jacks feature 316 or 17-4 stainless steel construction and bronze travelling nuts and bushings. Featuring corrosion-resistant properties and full-capacity tension or compression lifting, these jacks are easily retrofitted into designs that previously used non-stainless jacks. They are suited to applications in food-handling facilities, paper mills and coastal installations, while the metallurgical properties of stainless steel make them particularly suited to applications in extreme cold conditions. Standard products are

designed in 2-ton through 25-ton capacities, and custom capacities also are available.

Advantage Sales Network Online Reader Inquiry No. 621

Mechanical chock compensates for angular misalignment

SKF Vibracon self-levelling and heightadjustable chocks enable easy and accurate mounting of rotating machinery to base frames, steel foundations or plates while eliminating soft foot. The design integrates a swivelling, spherical top plate and mating middle section that is threaded and screws into a

December 2014

threaded bottom ring. The chocks can be supplied in a wide range of configurations, standard and extended chocking heights (ranging from 30 mm to 250 mm), footprint diameters (60 mm to 250 mm) and materials, including carbon steel, treated carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, shock hardened and K-Monel. Low-profile versions (with chocking heights from 20 mm to 45 mm and footprint diameters from 80 mm to 190 mm) can serve as replacements for milled chocks, shims or epoxy resins. Custom-made chocks also are available for non-typical applications.

SKF Canada Online Reader Inquiry No. 623

Hygienic gear pump built for easy installation, maintenance

Viking Pump’s Hygienic series gear pumps are truly hygienic models suitable for dairy, egg, meat, processed foods and FDA-regulated personal care

The First Name in Power Transmission

products. This series of positive displacement pumps, from 1 gpm to 320 gpm, has only one shaft and one shaft seal, simplifying and reducing costs of installation, operation and maintenance. With radiused internal angles, polished stainless steel surfaces, O-ring sealed joints and a behind-the-rotor seal, the pump eliminates areas of product entrapment, while its easy-toremove head, rotor and front-loading seal enables COP (Clean-Out-of-Place) cleaning methods. The series offers opposite porting in either horizontal or vertical configurations, as well as 90-degree ports for mounting directly under tanks with side discharge.

Viking Pump Online Reader Inquiry No. 624

Five hoses, two fittings cover critical working pressure range

Baldor•Dodge® power transmission products offer reliable service and low maintenance to help reduce your total cost of ownership. Our innovative bearings, gearing and power transmission products have solved the toughest applications for over 130 years.

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Parker Hannifin has introduced the GlobalCore series, comprising five hydraulic hoses and two fittings. Designed to meet the most common working pressures in industry and built and tested to the ISO 18752 specification, the hose ensures high performance in rugged environments and high-impulse applications.

This unified system provides options for the most critical sizes and pressure ranges – 3,000 psi to 6,000 psi in sizes 4 through 32. Fittings are 43 series or 77 series. The system is compatible with the company’s Parkrimp family of crimpers and features no-skive, premium abrasion-resistant covers, reducing downtime and lengthening service life.

Parker Hannifin Hose Products Division Online Reader Inquiry No. 625

Download a QR reader app and scan this code for more information. http://qr2.it/Go/1031260

©2013 Baldor Electric Company

MRO

Obtain free additional information about any of these items by using our online reader reply card at mromagazine.com/rsc.

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C O N T E N T S

Machinery & Equipment MRO

December 2014

in this issue

p2

Ticket to ride / 13

Dual-ticketing – having maintenance pros with two trades – proves a winning strategy for the Peace River Pulp mill in the core of Alberta’s oilsands.

p16

When the paths of inventors cross / 15

Expertise from the 1800s leads to modern innovations in drive chain technology.

Focus on Drives: Belt versus Chain / 16

Helping you determine which is best for your specific applications.

departments

INDUSTRIAL LUBRICATION

Editor’s Notebook / 6

Don’t get burned by grease claims / 22

Industry Newswatch / 8

Understanding the characteristics of high-temperature greases in the field.

Business Briefs / 10

What is the meaning of [grease] life? / 24

Maintenance 101 / 29

To which life would the grease you are using be suitable? Is it the life of the machine, the life of the bearing or the life of the grease?

Product News

What’s new in lubrication? / 26

Focus on Cleaning & Degreasing / 27

New systems, products and solutions to extend machinery running life.

OIL/GAS/MINING MRO

Mr. O, The Practical Problem Solver / 24

p29

Skin deep / 17

How to protect your skin form heavy metal dusts.

Product Spotlight / 2 Focus on Lubrication / 26

Focus on Chain & Belt Drives / 28 Literature Reviews / 28

p22

Alignment method shaves downtime / 18

How motor temperatures that are too high affect machine performance and life at this gold mine.

Mine chooses interchangeable motors and drives / 19

The Kami Iron Ore Project in Labrador rethinks power solutions with the goal of reducing its operating costs.

Tapping into the Alberta oil sands from Ontario / 20

Cross training of its employees helps an Ontario-based fabricator land Alberta energy deals via subcontract work.

p17

editor’s selections

Investing in conveyor alignment / 21

BC’s Belterra uses conveyor belt alignment technologies in the West’s extreme environments, from coal mines to the oil sands.

‘Unlike belts, chain can be purchased in bulk and cut to length as needed for various applications.’

Richard Neuhengen / 16

columns Mr. O, the Practical Problem Solver / 24

Solving grease problems in vertically mounted machines.

Improving reliability with simple steps / 29

Maintenance 101: There are 10 key maintenance strategies to improve reliability and three are critical for this plant.

‘Customers assume shipping our product from Ontario is cost-prohibitive, however, transportation is a relatively small proportion of the cost.’

Dennis Dussin / 20 ‘Understanding how the temperature capability of a grease has been defined can allow the user to make a better-informed lubrication decision.’

Exxon Mobil / 22

p20 p27

p28

Cover Photo: Vladimir Kolobov ©iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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‘Contact points with heavy metals are seemingly everywhere.’

Armand Coppotelli / 17

‘Operators know their equipment the best of all staff.

They notice unusual sounds, smells and abnormalities that can forecast trouble and breakdowns.’

Peter Phillips / 29

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Online Reader Inquiry No. 117

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E D I T O R’ S

N O T E B O O K

Machinery & Equipment MRO

December 2014

Good times immediately ahead, but …

I

f you follow economic trends, you nomic Outlook for Canada and the US know how hard it is to figure out how (see story on page 8). your industry is doing across the But he added that some industries country. Stats and surveys issued withNorth America may start to see a “little in days of one another often provide bit of slowing down” in 2017 in the leadcontradictory outlooks. I absorb a lot of up to a consumer-led recession in 2019. this material and overall, it seems the “At least you know. Plan for it,” Beaueconomy is looking pretty good – at lieu says. Heck, we’re still recovering least through to 2017. from the previous recession of 2008-09; That was affirmed by economist at least the next one is about five years Alan Beaulieu, who spoke at the recent down the road.

Industry Summit of the Power TransEven so, the years ahead will be a mission Distributors Association. “2015 good time for jobs, especially for new graduates, he predicts. will be a good year; 2016 will be a great year,” he predicted. “I’m more enthused Beaulieu thinks the 2020s will prothan I was a year ago.” His predictions vide lots of ups and downs until the end MRO_Mag_Full-Page_Movie-Ad_April_2013.pdf 1 4/4/13 4:08 PM of the decade. But watch out for 2030, are supported by the latest OECD Eco-

he warned (for those too old to care, alert your kids), as he predicts a major depression resulting from the US refusing to deal with its huge debt. Beaulieu says the US would have to go through a recession now to start to correct things, “but nothing’s going to happen.” Until 2030, that is.

For many of you working in the machinery and equipment maintenance and reliability business, it’s likely you’ll be kept quite busy until it’s time to think about retirement. Of course, that’s another issue your company must consider – where is it going to find someone with your knowledge and expertise to replace you? But we’ll leave that for another discussion.

As you know, this is a pretty good profession. When things are booming, there’s new equipment to set up and maintain. When the economy tanks, companies stop buying new machines and spend more on repairing what they

have, which still keeps you busy. Generally, it’s a fairly recession-proof job because of that.

For those of you who are relatively young, one sure way to maintain longterm employment through good times or bad times is to double your skills by learning a second trade. Check out the story on page 13 for details about maintenance workers who are becoming double-ticketed at a pulp mill in the heart of Alberta’s oilsands. It’s not easy to do, but it would certainly provide a ‘ticket to ride’ no matter what the economy throws your way.

Finally, the best advice for you and your kids is to get all debts paid off before 2030, because if Beaulieu is right, there will be challenging times ahead for everyone. At least you’ve been forewarned.

MRO Bill Roebuck, Editor & Associate Publisher

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND OPERATIONS

DECEMBER 2014 Volume 30, No. 6 Established 1985 www.mromagazine.com www.twitter.com/mromagazine EDITORIAL Bill Roebuck, Editor & Associate Publisher 416-510-6749 broebuck@mromagazine.com Hwee Kuan Choo, Art Director Contributing Editors Simon Fridlyand, Steve Gahbauer, Carroll McCormick, Peter Phillips, Robert Robertson, Angela Webb BUSINESS Jim Petsis, Publisher 416-510-6842 jpetsis@mromagazine.com Jay Armstrong, Sales Manager 416-510-6803 jarmstrong@mromagazine.com Kimberly Collins, Advertising Production 416-510-6779 Melinda Marasigan, Subscription Enquiries 416-442-5600 x3548 Machinery & Equipment MRO is published six times a year to help improve the effectiveness, productivity and practical knowledge of maintenance professionals in Canada’s manufacturing, utilities and resource industries.

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I N D U S T R Y

N E W S W A T C H December 2014

Strong recovery in Canada and US to continue Paris, France – Amid a modest global outlook, the recovery in Canada and the United States will continue with growth of 3.1% and 2.5% respectively in 2015, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Outlook.

However, modest global economic forecasts, continuing high unemployment and downshifts in potential output should spur governments with a greater sense of urgency to fully employ monetary, fiscal and structural policy levers to support growth, notably in Europe.

The Economic Outlook draws attention to a global economy stuck in low gear, with growth in trade and investment under-performing historic averages and diverging demand patterns across countries and regions, both in advanced and emerging economies.

“We are far from being on the road to a healthy recovery. There is a growing risk of stagnation in the euro zone that could have impacts worldwide, while Japan has fallen into a technical recession,” OECD secretary-general Angel Gurría said. “Furthermore, diverging monetary policies could lead to greater

financial volatility for emerging economies, many of which have accumulated high levels of debt.”

Global GDP growth is projected to reach a 3.3% rate in 2014 before accelerating to 3.7% in 2015 and 3.9% in 2016, according to the Outlook. This pace is modest compared with the pre-crisis period and somewhat below the long-term average.

Large emerging economies are projected to show diverging performance over the coming years. A slowdown in China, towards more sustainable growth rates, will see GDP growth drop from a 7.3% growth rate in 2014 to a 7.1% rate in 2015 and a 6.9% rate in 2016. However, the rapid increase in credit, rising share of non-bank credit, as well as the housing market and local government activity are raising concerns about financial stability.

A scenario in the Outlook shows that a two-percentage point decline in the growth of Chinese domestic demand would lower global GDP by 0.3% per year.

For specific details and graphs about the Canadian outlook, go to http://bit.ly/ OECDoutlook.

OVERHEAD CRANE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM EXPANDED TO MEET CSA STANDARDS

SIX UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE FOR EVERY JOB VACANCY Ottawa – Canadian businesses reported 234,000 job vacancies in August 2014, relatively unchanged compared with August 2013, according to Statistics Canada. There were 6.0 unemployed people for every job vacancy, little changed from 12 months earlier.

The national job vacancy rate was 1.5% in August, the same as the rate observed a year earlier.

Springfield, OH – The preventive maintenance inspection included in Konecranes Mainman Assessment has now been expanded to more closely match Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements for compliance.

Konecranes inspects over 430,000 cranes worldwide using the Mainman platform. Introduced in 1993, the proprietary Mainman software interface for inspections and regulatory compliance has just added an operational inspection product designed to be used in between periodic compliance inspections for overhead cranes in Canada. Crane owners Photo: Konecranes

DISTRIBUTORS SEE RISE IN ORDERS IN THIRD QUARTER

Crane owners who are not doing operational inspections can be deemed out of compliance by the CSA.

who are not doing operational inspections can be deemed out of compliance by the CSA. “In addition to improving safety, this program identifies problems early and helps customers extend the life of their equipment, provided they take the advice offered and follow the recommendations,” said Jim Skowron, vice-president of sales for Konecranes Region Americas Service division. “Working with Konecranes and Mainman helps crane owners achieve compliance with Canadian inspection requirements.”

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Chicago – The PTDA Business Index for the third quarter of 2014 (3Q2014), from the Power Transmission Distributors Association, a global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, indicates slowing but continued positive growth. However, distributors reported more positive business activity and new orders for 3Q2014 than manufacturers, a notable change from 1Q and 2Q 2014.

Despite this upward swing, the overall 3Q2014 PTDA Business Index reading of 67.5 was lower than the previous quarter’s reading of 68.7.

The index reading indicates the rate of change compared with the previous period. For example, a reading of 50 indicates no change from the prior period while readings above 50 indicate growth and below 50 indicate contraction. The further the index is above or below 50 suggests a faster or slower rate of change.

The entire 3Q2014 PTDA Business Index report is available through PTDA’s website at ptda.org/index.

FIRM FINED $80,000 AFTER WORKER INJURED FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT REPAIR Brampton, ON – Colortech Inc., a manufacturer of colour-concentrated plastic additives, has pleaded guilty and has been fined $80,000 after a worker was severely burned and suffered permanent injuries.

On September 26, 2012, an employee was working at Colortech’s facility in Brampton, ON, on a production line of processing equipment used to mix, heat, form and cut plastic into small pellets.

At approximately 1 a.m., some of the heaters near the die on the line stopped operating. A plant electrician attended and repaired the wiring at 3:20 a.m.

Elsewhere in the line, the heaters remained operational and the hot molten plastic caused a build-up of pressure and gases at the blocked die and screen changer.

As part of the procedure to restart the line, the worker was required to change the screen in the screen changer. During this change, there was an unexpected release of pressure, which resulted in the release of hot liquefied plastic, causing second degree burns to multiple parts of the body. The worker also inhaled the hot gases, resulting in internal injuries. The worker is not expected to recover or be able to return to work.

The production line’s screen changer was not equipped with a shield or guard to prevent workers from being injured by hot plastic or gasses; Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that a machine be shielded or guarded so that the product or material being processed does not endanger the safety of any worker.

Colortech Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed by Section 26 of the Industrial Regulation were carried out in the workplace, and was fined $80,000 in Brampton court. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25% victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act.

DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS TO GROW 5.4% ANNUALLY TO 2018 Cleveland, OH – Worldwide demand for industrial fasteners is forecast to climb 5.4% annually through 2018 to $93.8 billion, accelerating from the 2008-2013 pace, according to a new study, World Industrial Fasteners, from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.

Increases in motor vehicle, machinery and other durable goods production will support growth in fastener markets as the global economy expands and fixed investment expenditures rise, the study reports. In addition, product prices will climb at a faster pace than during the 2008-2013 period, boosting demand in value terms.

Industrial fastener market gains are expected to be strong in both developing and developed regions through 2018. Analyst Ken Long clarifies, “Advances in developing areas – including the Asia/ Pacific and Africa/Mideast regions, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe – will outpace demand in the US, Western Europe and Japan.”

Sales increases will be driven by healthy economic growth and ongoing industrialization efforts in most developing nations, resulting in higher manufacturing output and fixed investment spending. Rising standards of living in these areas will help fuel demand for motor vehicles and other fastener-containing durable goods, boosting both original equipment manufacturing and aftermarket fastener sales.

Rebounding levels of fixed investment, along with higher durable goods manufacturing output, will be a primary driver of fastener demand increases in

Photo: koosen – Thinkstock.com

Machinery & Equipment MRO

Rising fixed investment spending and industry output will boost demand for fasteners used in machinery applications.

the US, Western Europe, and Japan.

Motor vehicle original equipment manufacturing, the leading market for industrial fasteners, will post the largest value gains through 2018. In addition, rising fixed investment spending and industry output will boost demand for fasteners used in machinery applications, the second largest market.

World Industrial Fasteners (published 11/2014, 502 pages) is available for US$6,500 at freedoniagroup.com.

GASKETS AND SEALS MARKET TO EXPAND 3.8% YEARLY TO 2018 Cleveland, OH – The US market for gaskets and seals is expected to expand 3.8% annually through 2018 to $10.6 billion. Gasket and seal manufacturers will benefit from solid increases in motor vehicle output, machinery production and capital spending.

Rising demand for more expensive sealing products made from advanced materials will also boost market value.

However, greater utilization of betterperforming, longer-lasting gaskets and seals will have a mixed effect on demand as initial value gains will be somewhat offset by decreased aftermarket sales opportunities.

These and other trends are presented in Gaskets & Seals, a new study from The Freedonia Group Inc., a Clevelandbased market research firm.

Compression packings and moulded seals and packings will register some of the most rapid sales advances among sealing products, while demand for expanded graphite gaskets will grow the fastest among gasket products. Sales of compression packings and moulded seals and packings will be primarily fuelled by a favourable outlook for machinery output.

Rising motor vehicle output and machinery production will spur demand for expanded graphite gaskets, which will continue to replace more traditional gasketing materials in a number of motor vehicle and machinery applications due to their superior chemical and temperature resistance.

According to Freedonia analyst Lee Steinbock, “Electrical and electronic products are forecast to post the most rapid gains of any major gasket and seal market through 2018.” Higher output of measuring and controlling instruments, as well as an upturn in computer and electronic equipment production after an extended period of decline, will bolster product demand.

However, due to their much larger size, the motor vehicle and machinery markets will provide greater sales opportunities for gasket and seal suppliers.

Manufacturers of gaskets and seals used in the machinery industry will benefit from continued growth in capital spending and a strong aftermarket created by harsh operating environments.

Gaskets & Seals (published 10/2014, 302 pages) is available for US$5,100 from The Freedonia Group Inc. at freedoniagroup.com.

MRO

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I N D U S T R Y

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N E W S W A T C H

December 2014

Machinery & Equipment MRO

Motor repair accreditation program launched

BY CARROLL MCCORMICK

St. Louis, MO – Responding to concerns that repaired motors may not work as well as those straight out of the crate, the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) has launched an EASA Accreditation Program for electric motor repair service providers. Accredited service centres will be able to offer customers increased assurance that that their work conforms to industry standards and that repaired motors will work like new. EASA’s new Accreditation Program applies to three-phase, squirrel-cage motors.

“Engineering studies have demonstrated that motors repaired in accordance with the [American National Standards Institute] ANSI/EASA AR100 practices operate at reliability levels equivalent to new motors. Also, such repairs maintain motor efficiency ratings,” says Doug Moore, EASA’s international chairman of the board.

In a white paper written by EASA staff on the Accreditation Program, the authors note, “… a significant number of end users continue to hear the myth that electric motors cannot be repaired without reducing efficiency and that reliability of a repaired motor is reduced by repair.”

EASA knows that this is a minority

Accredited Repair’ labels on motors they have repaired. EASA will also carry their profiles on its website.

The Accreditation Program is the global industry’s first for accrediting electric motor repair service providers, according to EASA. EASA announced the Accreditation Program to its members at its annual convention in June 2014. By mid-November, 15 member service centres had comDoug Moore Tom Bishop pleted the requirements of the Accreditation Program, with position. “Plant maintenance personnel more lined up for live audits. overwhelmingly believe that motors The Accreditation Program is volunrepaired according to industry good tary and open to any service centre, practices provide reliability levels equivwhether it is an EASA member or not. alent to new motors,” according to an As well, Moore says, “The accreditation EASA study on the confidence placed in should not be a burden on service cenrepaired versus new motors. tres. The AR100 has been out there for By having third-party auditors evalyears.” uate the compliance of repair service The audit checklist begins with three centres to the prescribed good practices general categories: housekeeping, trainin ANSI/EASA AR100 and the Associaing and internal audits. Twenty other tion of Electrical and Mechanical Trades categories address the electrical and (AEMT) Rewind Study, EASA intends mechanical aspects of motor repair to help improve industry confidence in practices. They include terminal leads, repaired motors. connectors and boxes, shafts, bearings, “The accreditation offers a higher balancing, rewind data and winding imlevel of confidence that the repairs are pregnation. Each category drills down done to a higher level. The audit from into quite specific detail; e.g., ‘Varnish the outside is basically what proves it,” is maintenance tested in accordance explains Tom Bishop, EASA senior with manufacturer’s instructions,’ ‘test technical support specialist. results and any maintenance actions Service centres that earn accreditaare documented,’ or, ‘magnetic wedges tion will be able to display their enare replaced with equivalent magnetic hanced credentials via ‘EASA Accreditwedges.’ ed’ logos on their websites and literaA good deal of the items relate to ture, for example, and affix ‘EASA equipment, including terminal crimp-

ers, outside micrometers and water mist systems. Moore stresses that the auditors are not there simply to test and award passing or failing grades. “The auditors work with the service centres to make sure they are going to pass.

They work with them to make sure everything is calibrated, that they have the equipment and operating conditions, et cetera.”

How much time should a service centre set aside for an audit? First, the service centre will want to do a beta audit.

This is a mock external audit that the service centre does itself to get a feel for how closely it conforms to the criteria in the real audit. “Based on the past experience we’ve seen, I’d say it takes between four and eight hours for a member to do a beta audit,” Bishop says.

A service centre should set aside a day for the third-party audit. Once a service centre is accredited, Bishop notes, “A follow-up audit, once it is accredited, takes about four hours.”

Service centres must do internal audits one year and two years after each external audit. They are submitted to the external auditor for review and acceptance. The external audits are repeated every three years.

Member service centres looking for additional training can access EASA programs such as its two-day seminars in root cause failure analysis and mechanical repairs, and short webiMRO nars.

For more details about EASA’s programs, visit easa.com.

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I N D U S T R Y

N E W S W A T C H December 2014

News and views about companies, people, product lines and more.

Photo: FSA

• Wayne, PA – The Fluid Sealing Association has appointed Michael Shorts as president of its board of directors.

Shorts is currently vice-president and general manager for Triangle Fluid Controls Ltd., Belleville, ON. Also appointed was Phil Mahoney as vice-presi-

Phil Mahoney

Michael Shorts

dent of the board of directors. Mahoney is currently the design engineering manager for compression packing and mechanical seals for the A.W. Chesterton Company, Groveland, MA. As well, FSA Rob Coffee named Robert (Rob) S. Coffee to its board of directors.

He is currently the vice-president of sales and marketing for Proco Products Inc., Stockton, CA. For further information, visit fluidsealing.com.

• Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Exact Pipe Tools Inc. has set up a warranty repair and distribution centre in Canada to serve its growing number of Canadian distributors. Exact Pipe Tools is a US wholly owned subsidiary of Finlandbased Exact Tools Oy and recently established its North American presence. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Quality Tool Repair Ltd., of Saskatoon, SK, as our master warranty repair centre for Exact’s PipeCut saws in Canada,” said Mike Stone, CEO, Exact Pipe Tools Inc. Colin Olfert is the branch manager. “We are also pleased to announce our new distribution centre in Canada,” Stone added. “The new distribution centre is located in Simcoe, Ontario, and is ideally situated to serve the Canadian market. Exact PipeCut saw orders are now delivered to our southern Ontario distributors the next day and the shipment times to other locations in Canada have been reduced by half.”

• Toronto – Edward Das has been hired

by Toronto-based Rotem Industrial Products Inc. to serve southwestern Ontario as a technical sales representative. He replaces Alex Balazsy, who has moved on to ChemArrow, one of Rotem’s suppliers. Rotem sells cutting tools, industrial fluids, gauges and wire machinery throughout Ontario.

• North Canton, OH – The Timken Company has reached agreement with Eriks NV to acquire the assets of

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Derek Thompson (left), who heads the new office of KSB in Edmonton, shakes hands with Mike Blundell, president of KSB Pumps.

through a merger of KSB’s resources with those of Paradigm Flow Solutions, an Edmonton-based specialist in pumps and water supply solutions,” says Mike Blundell, president of KSB Canada. Along with the new office, KSB facilities in Alberta include a sales office in Calgary and a regen service centre in Fort McMurray operated by KSB subsidiary GIW Minerals.

• Washington, DC – The American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) has named Cheryl Caulfield as its new president. Prior to joining ABMA, Caulfield served as executive director of the National Association Executives Forum and the Organizational Management Group, a regional association management company. She also served as vice-president of government affairs and vice-president of Builder CEO Clubs for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

• Mississauga, ON – Michael Marion and Cormac Kerins have been appointed to new positions with Atlas Copco Portable Energy Canada. Marion has been named national business developPhoto: Atlas Copco

The number of applications for Canadian Industry that are delivering cost savings.

Photo: KSB Pumps

Business Briefs

Revolvo Ltd., a specialty bearing company based in Dudley, UK. Revolvo makes and markets ball and roller bearings for industrial applications in process and heavy industries. The company’s split roller bearing housed units are widely used by mining, power generation, food and beverage, pulp and paper, metals, cement, marine and wastewater end users.

• Edmonton, AB – KSB Pumps Inc. of Mississauga, ON, has expanded its presence in Western Canada with a new office and service facility in Edmonton, AB. “Our new location has come about

2,685,771 The number of dollars we have saved Canadian companies with our innovative solutions.

1

Cormac Kerins

ment manager and Kerins is now the product and business development manager. Marion manages the power generation business, which includes both prime power generators and light towers, while Kerins focuses on portable air products, including compressors and boosters, as well as pumps.

• Zurich, Switzerland – ABB has been recognized by Thomson Reuters as one of the world’s top 100 innovators for a third year. This award acknowledges companies around the world for their outstanding commitment to global innovation, the protection of ideas and the commercialization of inventions. “This recognition is a strong endorsement. Innovation is ingrained in the DNA of ABB and a pillar of our Next Level strategy,”

The number of companies that can deliver this kind of industry performance.

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Mike Marion

said ABB chief executive officer Ulrich Spiesshofer. “New technologies are at the core of driving profitable growth through our strategic focus on market penetration, innovation and expansion.”

• Montreal, QC – Harting Canada has appointed veteran sales executive Claude Langlois as sales director for Canada. He is based at company headquarters in StLaurent, QC. He has over 12 years experience in executive and other senior sales positions in the electronics and industrial sectors.

• North Canton, OH – Bearing manufacturer The Timken Company has completed its new headquarters after a $65-million expansion and renovation of its old research centre. Earlier this year, Timken spun off its steelmaking operations into the new publicly traded corporation, TimkenSteel. TimkenSteel remained at the company’s old campus in Canton, OH, while The Timken Company relocated about 800 employees north to the renovated research centre site.

• Madison Heights, MI – Supplier Software Inc., a global provider of nextgeneration, intelligent procurement solutions, has changed its name to Xeeva.

The company also announced it has been spun out as an entirely independent entity from its former parent company, Netlink Inc. Xeeva is driving the development and delivery of intelligent cloud procurement and financial solutions for indirect spend and MRO. The company’s technology is used in over 40 countries and is available in 18 languages.

• Burlington, ON – The Wolseley Canada national distribution centre in Milton, ON, has won the 2014 Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Canada National Earth Award in the Photo: Wolseley Canada

Machinery & Equipment MRO

Wolseley Canada’s Milton, ON, distribution centre team.

Light Industrial Building category. The centre received the award in partnership with the building’s landlord, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP, in recognition of excellence in buildings across Canada that have made significant efforts to address environmental issues. The Wolseley staff at the 300,000 sq ft distribution centre have taken positive steps to be more environmentally friendly by following environmental best practices such as using only green cleaning products to wash warehouse floors, monitoring pollutants in the air, separating and recycling all plastic and cardboard for reuse, installing energy efficient lighting and conserving water on a daily basis.

• Eden Prairie, MN – Power management company Eaton held its 2014 Eaton Distributor Meeting (EDM) in Orlando, FL, earlier this year. The only event of its kind for the hydraulics industry, the EDM brought together more than 1,000 Eaton distributors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and product and market experts from around the world to exchange ideas. The event highlighted the latest developments, features and solutions in hydraulics, and offered more than 165 workshops and technical training sessions.

MRO Visit mromagazine.com for the latest news and longer versions of items here.

2013-10-30 5:12 PM

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Ticket to Ride

December 2014

Machinery & Equipment MRO

Dual-ticketing is a key strategy at the Daishowa-Marubeni International Ltd. Peace River Pulp Division in Alberta.

Having two trades – dual-ticketing – is a winning strategy for maintenance at this pulp mill located in the heart of Alberta’s oil sands.

BY CARROLL MCCORMICK

“

need their electrical ticket to disconnect and work on electrical equipment.

In 1995, DMI began offering dualticket training to tradesmen in the mechanical department as well. Tiggelers himself came into the mill as a steamfitter-pipefitter in 1990. In 1995 he completed training for his second trade as a millwright. “I am Red Seal ticketed as a millwright, steamfitterpipefitter, gasfitter and plumber,” Tiggelers says.

There are 29 people in the E&I department. Twenty-one of them are dual-ticketed as electricians and instrumentation technicians. Of the 49 fulltime and four part-time workers in the mechanical department, 20 are dualticketed and seven more are in various stages of getting their second trade.

The four trades represented in the mechanical department are millwright, machinist, ‘B’ pressure welder and steamfitter-pipefitter. Reflecting the fact that there are many thousands of pieces of rotating equipment in the mill, millwright is the most useful second trade to have.

“We typically need more millwrights [than] B welders,” Tiggelers explains. “With the variety of rotating equipment, the millwright as a second trade gets the best on-site exposure to the trade. We have had some success with B pressure welders as second trade, but we can’t give them as much welding practice as we would like. We typically need a person with a millwright base on shift, as most issues are with rotating equipment. If a welder is needed on the off-shift, then we would call one in if [there was no one on site] qualified in both trades.”

We typically need a person with a millwright base on shift, as most issues are with rotating equipment.

If a welder is needed on the offshift, then we would call one in if [there was no one on site] qualified in both trades.

Dual-ticketing is a key part of the company’s success strategy. “We’ve been doing it since the startup of the mill,” says John Tiggelers, maintenance superintendent, DMI. It has been an expectation in the electrical and instrumentation (E&I) department since the mill opened in 1990, because technicians on shift

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Millwright Chris McLachlan is in year four of his welding apprenticeship.

The tradesmen in the mechanical department and E&I are not dual-ticketing between the two departments. Dualticketing in E&I is mandatory, but on the mechanical side it is more voluntary.

That said, there are incentives to train for a second ticket, including a 10% pay premium over a single trade.

The pay scale at the mill starts at Technician-6 (T-6) for new people without specific skills or qualifications. As they acquire skills and years on the job, their T number goes down and their pay goes up. Journeyman tradesmen start at T-2, and once they complete some technical modules they progress to T-1.

Once they have completed some more modules and have picked up a second

Millwright and machinist Marc St Laurent is also a ‘B’ pressure welder.

trade, the can reach the top pay level, which is T-1A. Cross-training challenges The phrase ‘pick up a second trade’ rolls off the tongue easily, but belies how difficult it is for tradesmen to get second tickets on their own, and how big a commitment DMI makes to train them. “It’s difficult to achieve on one’s own without a sponsor or a company to promote it,” Tiggelers says.

In Peace River, DMI pays full-time employees their wages while attending trade school. DMI does not pay temporary employees their wages, but does cover their tuition, travel and books. The continued on page 14

Photos courtesy DMI

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hey call it cross training: having the skills to do work that may cross trade barriers. It is a long-standing tradition at the DaishowaMarubeni International Ltd. Peace River Pulp Division that rewards tradesmen and makes more flexible their use by the maintenance department.

Dual-ticketing also contributes to the financial success of the mill.

DMI produces about 470,000 tonnes of pulp annually that is shipped elsewhere to make paper products. The mill employs around 300 people. “Other mills with similar production employ 475-500 people. We never go above 300,” says Amber Armstrong, communications and public relations superintendent, DMI. “We are a strong supporter of unions, but we are not unionized. Not being unionized means we can use a smaller workforce, have diversified training, and use their talents and interests,” she says.

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Machinery & Equipment MRO

December 2014

TICKET TO RIDE continued from page 13

Shop lead technician Wendell Watson apprenticed at DMI as a millwright and then completed a second trade as a machinist.

Maintenance superintendent John Tiggelers joined DMI as a Red Seal Journeyman Steam-Fitter/Gas Fitter and completed his second trade apprenticeship as Journeyman Red Seal, Millwright in 2006.

commitment from both sides includes eight-to-12 weeks a year in school for four years.

DMI decides what mix and type of second trades to support, based on its business needs and the labour market.

Although dual-ticketed tradesmen are very desirable commodities to outside companies, DMI attaches no commitments that prevent a tradesman from leaving the mill. “There are no strings attached other than that a person must successfully complete the second trade once they have attended technical training. Second-trade apprentices can’t go on shift until they are completed,” Tiggelers says.

DMI is confident that the pull on dual-ticketed tradesmen from outside the company is balanced by the desirability of working at the mill and in Peace River. “It’s a double-edged sword,

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so to speak. Some people leave as they are more marketable [but] it also retains people who want to better themselves and stay because of the work-life balance that [shifts of] four 10-hour days provides,” Tiggelers says.

DMI astutely promotes Peace River as a good place to raise a family and enjoy a rather traditional lifestyle, as opposed to the transient, gold-rush ambiance of towns like Fort McMurray, AB. Cross-training advantages Tiggelers cites several advantages of having dual-ticketed employees. For example, it allows the maintenance department to be roughly 20% smaller than it would need to be if no tradesmen were dual-ticketed. It gives the company the flexibility to use tradesmen where they are needed, and avoids the classic delays of the sort where one tradesman cannot proceed until another drops by to do a little chore.

“We don’t have to wait for a certain specific trade to tack-weld a guard or cut off rusted bolts. When not welding, welders do other work that millwrights may do in a traditional workplace,” Tiggelers says.

Tiggelers also offers this scenario, in which a piece of equipment in the field is being repaired or replaced and a coupling requires machining to fit on an exiting shaft. “When the technician is both a millwright and a machinist, he can complete both the installation and machining when another machinist may not be available.

This can save time delays and may help lower overtime costs in some cases.”

Employee satisfaction On the downside, Tiggelers says, “There is the cost of technical training, reduced manpower while employees are away at school and some turnover of dual-ticketed employees. Our mill is located in the heart of the second largest oil sand deposit in Alberta. Some employees have chosen to leave for more lucrative oilfield pay rates.

Some oil companies actually target some of our tradesmen, due to their excellent background and qualifications.”

But that risk, on the other hand, must be weighed against the employee satisfaction that comes from more spice in the day-to-day work, long-term fulfilment and even the possibility of a major career shift to elsewhere in the company through DMI's Career Change program.

“A pulp mill has one of the most diverse collections of equipment. This exposes technicians to an array of equipment most other manufacturing processes don’t have. It’s important to keep people engaged and challenged by allowing them to learn new skills,” Tiggelers says.

After nearly a quarter century with DMI, Tiggelers has this counsel and encouragement for companies considering a dual-ticketing program. “If a company is considering introducing a second trade program, it’s wise to do it in an organized fashion and limit the number of people who can be off-site for technical training at any given point in time. Minimize the number of people off site for training during annual shutdowns.

“Outline clear expectations for the employees who wish to pursue a second trade. Good performers should be rewarded with this opportunity and will make the most of it for themselves and the company.”

MRO Montreal-based Carroll McCormick is MRO Magazine’s award-winning senior contributing editor.

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Machinery & Equipment MRO

When the paths of inventors cross Expertise from the 1800s leads to modern innovations in chain technology.

W

ay back in 1887, when a coal equipment manufacturer couldn’t find the heavy-duty chain needed to drive its coal-cutting machinery, owner Joseph A. Jeffrey designed and manufactured his own. His patented steel thimble roller chain, made by his Jeffrey Manufacturing Company in Columbus, OH, quickly became an industry standard.

The applications seemed limitless, and other inventions soon followed. The first malleable roller chain incorporated a cast link and roller, which reduced friction, required less power and made production more efficient. It became the forerunner to other Jeffrey innovations, including pintle chain; combination chain; and a flat, round forged chain that provided far greater wear resistance than previous designs could deliver.

Many of the innovations introduced in the early years of the Jeffrey business became industry standards, evolving through innovations in materials and production processes while maintaining the fundamental principles originally established.

Almost a decade before Joseph Jeffrey introduced his first chain products, a Swiss-born manufacturer of textile chain, Hans Renold, patented the first solid bush roller chain at his new manufacturing site in Manchester, England.

This chain formed the basic concept of transmission chain used throughout the world today. Like Jeffrey, Renold continued to innovate with his products and processes, developing features such as machine-holed link plates and rotaryriveted pins to increase chain strength, reliability and performance.

In 2000, Jeffrey Chain joined the Renold Group and was able to add the broad portfolio of Renold roller chains to its product range. Today, Renold Jeffrey, located in Morristown, TN, offers the experience and expertise developed from more than 200 years of combined manufacturing history in the two main disciplines of industrial chain design and manufacture – engineering chain and roller chain.

Now the Renold Group is in the final phase of a strategic reorganization that began several years ago. The initial phase was driven by the entry of low-cost manufacturers into western markets and the accelerated development of Asian manufacturing economies, most notably China. While many of the Group’s competitors decided to outsource low-specification chains to third-party suppliers, Renold was determined to maintain its policy of controlling all aspects of design and manufacture for all chain products, in particular the rigid standards established for material specification and control. This led to the successful acquisition of a quality manufacturing facility in China, followed a year later by acquisition of a premium chain manufacturing facility in India. This has given the Group an

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ability to compete in these developing markets and to supply quality chain to customers in all sectors of the market.

The second phase of the reorganization has seen the consolidation of four European factories, plus the Renold Jeffrey engineering plant in Morristown, into two specialized manufacturing sites.

The majority of Renold roller chains are now manufactured at the company’s fa-

including additional presses, substantial increases in CNC machining capability, and a number of new heat-treatment furnaces, the largest of which has more than six times the production capacity of existing equipment.

This multi-million dollar investment project, the largest in the company’s history, was scheduled to be completed in Employees assemble chain at the Morristown, TN, facility. summer 2014, and has increased the Renold Jeffrey workforce by cility in Einbeck, Germany, which was more than 20% and expanded manufacexpanded significantly as a result of this turing capacity by around 35%. This restructure. This plant is the sole source facility has now become the global cenof small-pitch and medium-pitch Tier 1 tre of excellence for the Group’s compreRoller Chain and Solution Chain product hensive range of engineering chain ranges. products. MRO Alongside this, the Group made a major investment in its Morristown, For more information, visit Renold Canada TN, facility. A multitude of new machinat renoldcanada.com. ery was installed and commissioned, Online Reader Inquiry No. 655

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Belts Chains

December 2014

Machinery & Equipment MRO

versus

Helping determine which drive is best for your applications.

BY RICHARD W. NEUHENGEN

T

his article examines the types, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and applications of belts and chains for industrial power transmission applications. It compares flat/V-belts, synchronous belts and chains.

Poly belts are available in two types, flat belts – also called V-belts – and synchronous belts. Flat/V-belts wrap around a sheave and rely on friction between the belt and sheave for movement. They require a take-up system or a tension sheave and sprocket alignment within 1/2° for belt performance.

Flat/V-belts are suited for highspeed and relatively low-power applications. Their advantages are that no lubrication is required, they are lightweight, and the belt drives cushion loads and load fluctuation. It’s important to know that a belt will slip when it is overloaded, preventing mechanical damage to shafts and other machine parts.

There are some disadvantages. Flat/ V-belts cannot be used where exact timing or speed is required, because of slippage between the belt and sheave.

The belts, which are easily damaged by oil, grease and abrasives, have a limited operating temperature range of -20°F to 140°F (with special materials, the range is -65°F to 185°F). Also, belts can be noisy, and loose or worn belts can be a major cause of machinery vibration.

The most common failure in belt drives is a broken belt caused by improper tensioning. There is a tension at which the belt experiences optimum service life.

Above this tension, belt fatigue translates into a decrease in belt life; below this tension, belt slip occurs, resulting in reduced belt life. Belt suppliers strongly recommend operators check the tension using special tools such as a belt frequency meter or plunger-type gauge.

Normal failure is due to a broken belt, which stops the equipment. Since it is difficult to monitor belt wear, operators should track hours or cycles to determine when to replace a belt.

Flat/V-belts cannot be used in applications with fixed-centre distances because they do not allow proper tension-

ing. Belts always require a take-up system or idlers to provide proper tension on the belts. Also, belts come in set lengths and cannot be adjusted, so the user is required to stock an individual belt for each application.

Synchronous belts provide positive engagement between the mating teeth of a toothed belt and a toothed sprocket.

Like flat/V-belts, they require a take-up system or a tension sheave. Centre distances are limited by the belt size.

Synchronous belts are good for highspeed applications, providing a life expectancy of 12,000 operating hours.

Sprocket alignment needs to be within 1/4° for belt performance.

Advantages of synchronous belts are that they operate at high speeds, produce less noise at slow speeds, provide positive engagement between the belt and the sprocket, require no lubrication and are light in weight.

Synchronous belts can be used on applications that include positioning, indexing and constant speed, as well as where there is no slippage.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to consider: Synchronous

belts are easily damaged by oil, grease, abrasives, chemicals, and extreme temperatures of heat and cold. High horsepower and high speed can result in noise problems (sounds like a loud squeal).

Alignment is very critical (within 1/4°) for belt performance. Belts exposed to abrasive material will wear out at an accelerated rate.

The most common failure of synchronous belts is a broken belt caused by improper tensioning. There is a tension at which the belt experiences optimum service life. Above this tension, belt fatigue translates into a decrease in belt life. Belt suppliers strongly recommend special tools to check tensioning, such as a belt frequency meter or a plunger-type gauge.

Normal failure is due to a broken belt, which stops the equipment. It is difficult to monitor belt wear, so operators need to track hours or cycles to determine when to replace a belt.

As with the flat/V-belts, synchronous belts cannot be used in applications with fixed centre distances because they do not allow for proper tensioning.

Belts always require a take-up system or idlers to provide proper tension on the

belts. The belts come in set lengths and cannot be adjusted, so the user is required to stock an individual belt for each application. The normal operating temperature range is -20°F to 140°F (with special materials, the range is -65°F to 185°F).

Precision roller chain has a positive engagement with the sprocket teeth (so there is no slippage) and is more practical for slow-speed drives. Chain drive efficiency approaches 100%.

Sprocket alignment is within 1/4°.

When properly maintained, the standard life of chain is 15,000 operating hours, though more durable chain is available.

Chains offer several advantages: Chains are easier to install than belts.

They can be used in applications with fixed centres – the centre distance is unlimited and the length of the chain is adjustable. Proper tensioning is required but not to same precision as with belts.

Unlike belts that must be purchased and stored in specific lengths for all applications, chain can be purchased in bulk and cut to length as needed for various applications.

The operating temperature range of standard carbon steel chain is -20°F to 500°F, and for stainless steel chain it is -40°F to 1,000°F. Chain is normally replaced due to wear. Wear can be monitored by using a Timken Drives EZ Chain Wear Gauge so chain replacement can be planned.

Chains can operate in adverse environments, and around abrasive material, moisture and chemicals (with the proper chain series). Chains can be used in lifting applications and in conveyors with the use of integral, customizable attachments to move the products.

Chains do have some drawbacks: To maximize wear life, the chain should be effectively lubricated. Timken Drives recommends using the Rotalube system, which extends the useful life by allowing the operator to control the speed, frequency and precise location for oil lubrication. Also, chain weight may be a concern and chain drives may be noisy.

MRO Richard W. Neuhengen is product manager, chain, with Timken Drives LLC. Online Reader Inquiry No. 651

Photos courtesy Timken

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December 2014

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Skin Deep How to protect your skin from heavy metal dusts.

that means every item specified. These may include respirators, eyewear, aprons or sleeves, and the appropriate gloves.

Skin hygiene: Practice consistent 3 and thorough hand hygiene to remove contamination from the skin.

BY ARMAND COPPOTELLI

R

est easy, metalheads. This article will not be expounding the harmful decibel levels or dubious lyrics of your favourite bands. Instead, it will present a concise overview of a serious health hazard – workplace exposure to heavy metals – and provide practical, relatively simple ways to help guard against their potentially harmful effects.

‘Heavy metals’ is a term used to describe over a dozen elements that are classified as either metals or metalloids (elements that have both metal and nonmetal characteristics). Examples include arsenic, lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium and manganese. The permanency of these elements (they cannot be degraded or destroyed) means that heavy metals are persistent in all parts of the environment.

How exposure occurs Contact points are seemingly everywhere. They range from entire mines, foundries, smelters (copper, zinc and lead), and coal-burning power plants, to combustion byproducts, vehicle emissions, batteries, and the manufacturing of chemicals and glasses (arsenic).

They also include cable coverings, plumbing, ammunition, fuel additives (lead), cigarettes, dental alloys, electroplating, motor oil and exhaust (cadmium); thermometers, thermostats and dental amalgams. Even seafood (mercury) is a possibility. An increasing dose of exposure to heavy metals can produce bio-accumulation in the body, eventually resulting in toxicity.

Health concerns Exposure to heavy metals can cause a multitude of serious health concerns, including: neurological impairment (lead), mental confusion, muscle and joint pain, headaches, short-term memory loss, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, vision problems, chronic fatigue and kidney failure.

Persons experiencing heavy metal toxicity can be treated by physicians.

However, the effects of toxicity can be suffered for extended periods and may not be fully reversible.

Going on the defensive To proactively guard against heavy metal exposure, there are three key points to bear in mind: 1 Knowledge: Make sure you know exactly what substances with which you are working. It’s as simple – yet critical – as reading the material safety data sheet (MSDS).

Protection: Wear the required per 2 sonal protective equipment (PPE) –

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Skin care and hand hygiene For skin exposures to heavy metal dusts, the following recommendations can be made.

PPE and a skin care regimen can

work with engineering and work practice controls to prevent further exposure.

A three-step skin care program should be implemented, starting with the application of an effective before-work cream.

Some of these help as a preventive measure against irritants, while others are designed to help combat the effects of maceration due to sweating – for example, under gloves.

This program should continue with the application of a skin-compatible

Machinery & Equipment MRO

cleanser and conclude with the application of an after-work moisturizing cream, which should be used to replenish lost oils and lipids in the skin. In addition, all products in the three-step program should be specific to the substances being handled.

If cleansers need scrubbers, they should be non-abrasive. They should also be tested to have good skin compatibility and a pH close to the range of the skin’s natural acid mantle.

Wash hands frequently in tepid water with cleanser, especially before eating, using the rest room and taking breaks.

And before heading home, make sure to shower and put on clean clothes. MRO Armand Coppotelli is the business development & training manager for Deb Stoko USA. Online Reader Inquiry No. 660

©iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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14-12-05 12:11 PM

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gold mine has saved two days of downtime by using a cardan shaft alignment system that did not require the removal of the shaft.

FL Smidth of Valby, Denmark, is a global engineering company supplying plants, systems and services to the cement and minerals industries. In September 2013, the company needed to perform the alignment of a threemachine train with two cardan shafts at a gold mine in Western Australia. The machine train consisted of an arrangement of a conveyor pulley, gearbox and motor.

One of the cardan shafts weighed over 7,500 kg with a shaft length of around 4 m. Originally, the plan was to perform the alignment uncoupled, as this was the only option. Typically, the removal of the shaft would have taken a full day, and the whole alignment process up to two days, involving a team of four or five people and considerable crane-hire costs.

Plus there were safety risks and possible

Photos: Pruftechnik Canada

Alignment method shaves downtime

The alignment of a machine with the cardan shaft in place.

The entire measurement task was completed without removal of the 7,500-kg cardan shaft.

Gold mine aligns cardan shafts in situ, saving labour, crane rental and safety costs.

BY FLORIAN BUNDER

machine damage during removal and replacement of the shaft.

FL Smidth contacted Aquip Systems PTY Ltd. of Bently, Austrailia, to purchase a recently released cardan shaft bracket from Prüftechnik, as it wanted to use the company’s Rotalign Ultra iS unit for the job. The new cardan bracketing system, together with a new firmware release for the Rotalign Ultra platform, allows aligning cardan shafts without removal of the shaft. After Aquip Systems introduced FL Smidth to the new alignment solution, the alignment team was more than confident to perform the task.

“Once the alignment task began on site, the brackets were set up on the shaft and measurement taken within 15 minutes,” said Bryan Rodgers of Aquip Sys-

tems. He said setting up is virtually as simple as with any regular rotatable, coupled alignment using Prüftechnik measurement technology: Mount the sensor and laser using the supplied brackets, enter dimensions and take measurements. Instructions are shown on the screen of the device.

The laser was set up at the stationary end using a non-rotating arm bracket. At the moveable machine end of the shaft, a rotating arm bracket was used to mount the sensor. As the coupled shaft was rotated to each new measurement position, the rotating arm bracket was turned back at the base and the sensor moved along the posts to intersect the laser beam and take the necessary readings.

The procedure was repeated at several shaft angular positions to capture the alignment condition, after which the required machine adjustments were made and checked.

As a result, the entire measurement task was completed without removal of the 7,500-kg cardan shaft.

As the alignment was performed as part of a time-critical shutdown, the saving of approximately two days was highly significant, as was the reduced amount of manpower needed, the elimination of crane hire costs, and the reduction in safety hazards.

MRO Florian Buder is the managing director of Prüftechnik Canada of Montreal Online Reader Inquiry No. 610

Keep Up-to-date!

With MRO’s e-newsletter As a professional in the MRO world, you know that it’s vital to stay informed on all the breaking news and developments.

Find out what’s happening in between receiving our print issues by signing up for our weekly electronic newsletter.

It’s easy to do, and it’s FREE! ➊ Go online to www.mromagazine.com ➋ Select the Subscriber Services link ➌ Then click on Subscribe/Weekly Email Newsletter.

You’ll receive your personal newsletter in your in-box every Tuesday morning. You can unsubscribe at any time with the link included on each newsletter.

Every issue contains the headline and introductory paragraph for the week’s online news. There’s no better way to keep up-to-date with developments in:

• the industrial aftermarket • reports on the industrial economy • industry research • maintenance conferences and meetings • current statistics and news about companies you’re interested in

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Online Reader Inquiry No. 128

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14-12-05 12:14 PM

F O C U S

O N

December 2014

Machinery & Equipment MRO

Mine chooses

interchangeable motors and drives The Kami Iron Ore Project in Labrador rethinks mining power solutions with the goal of reducing operating costs.

A

n iron ore mine in Labrador plans to improve its energy efficiency and equipment reliability with the installation of a series of new electrical motors, drives, transformers and switchgear.

To that end, GE’s Power Conversion business was recently awarded a contract to supply equipment to drive Alderon Iron Ore Corp.’s autogenous (AG) grinding mills and ball mills at its Kami Iron Ore Project in Western Labrador, NF. GE was awarded the contract by the engineering, procurement and construction management firm WorleyParsons Canada to provide medium-voltage highefficiency electrical motors, drives, transformers and switchgear as part of the long-lead items for the mine.

Alderon is an iron ore development company with offices in Montreal, Vancouver, St. John’s and Labrador City.

The Kami Project, owned 75% by Alderon and 25% by Hebei Iron & Steel Group Co. Ltd. (HBIS) through The Kami Mine Limited Partnership, is located within Canada’s premier iron ore district and is surrounded by four producing iron ore mines.

WorleyParsons is a provider of professional services to the resources and energy sectors and complex process industries.

“We chose GE’s Power Conversion business for this project based on its proven technology, technical expertise and acute business passion,” said WorleyParsons’ project manager [who the company requested not be named in this article].

“GE offered us the advantage of a long history of reliable operation combined with the ability to integrate a complete solution, allowing us to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively,” he said.

GE Power Conversion’s solution consists of four low-speed synchronous (aircooled) motors and MV7000 mediumvoltage drives operating at 7,500 kW on a dual-pinion AG mill and a dual-pinion ball mill. Both the AG grinding and ball mill motors and drives are interchangeable, allowing for a common spare motor.

This solution for the Kami Project is capable of reducing operating costs by supplying a reactive power pack to the electrical grid and compensating for reactive loads usually found at mine sites.

The MV7000 is a single-drive solution that covers a wide range of power, from 3 MW to 100 MW and voltage from 3 kV to 10 kV. Power scalability is provided by adding insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) in series – a GE Power Conversion patented technology – in order to increase voltage. This is enabled by press-pack technology in combination with neutral point piloted (NPP) topology, which can deliver a power density of up to 1.5 MVA/cu m, considerably higher

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than most systems available today.

The MV7000 drive units are less complex, lighter and take up less space than alternatives – a key advantage where

Photo: GE Power Conversion

Photos: Pruftechnik Canada

19

O I L / G A S / M I N I N G

This dual-pinion grinding mill uses GE’s high-efficiency electrical motors, drives, transformers and switchgear.

space is at a premium and weight carries a costly penalty.

The $1.27-billion mine will have a production capacity of 8 million metric tonnes per year of iron. Operations are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2015.

The Alderon team comprises skilled

professionals with significant iron ore expertise to advance Kami towards production. HBIS is Alderon’s strategic partner in the development of the Kami Project and China’s largest steel producer. MRO Online Reader Inquiry No. 659

Online Reader Inquiry No.129

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20

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O I L / G A S / M I N I N G

Machinery & Equipment MRO

December 2014

INTO THE

directly from project owners.

“We wouldn’t compete with our customers, but it might be some other type of equipment that the end user would need,” he explains.

FROM ONTARIO

BY LISA WICHMANN

Available capacity in Ontario means better lead times for supplying oil sands projects in Alberta.

ty and usually spend a day or so doing a quality audit,” says Dussin.

The audit leads to Alps Welding joining the approved vendor list, meaning it’s pre-qualified to do subcontract work but can also receive requests for quotes

project owners, but these subcontract deals are also leading to direct business.

“For us to be able to do that work, the end user has to approve us as a subcontractor. Whether it’s Exxon or Suncor or ConocoPhillips, they’ll come to our facili-

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www.debgroup.com Online Reader Inquiry No. 131

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L

ong distance relationships are difficult, no doubt. But that doesn’t mean manufacturers east of Alberta have to forego oil sands contracts.

Fabricators such as Alps Welding Ltd. of Woodbridge, ON, are proving the business can be won, mainly through subcontract work and a flexible shop floor.

“In the oil sands industry, this kind of flexibility is important, because a lot of the equipment is unique,” says Dennis Dussin, president of the company.

Alps Welding has about 55 skilled employees, who are cross-trained to work on a range of projects. The plant was set up to be configurable, and can produce various sizes of modules, piping systems and related equipment.

Oil sands contracts usually come in from engineers and designers serving

Pre-qualifying rigours Pre-qualifying isn’t easy though. Before the site visit, the company must file a 10to 20-page survey covering safety and insurance records, and capabilities. Each project owner has a different survey or web portal, so it can be time-consuming.

“If we could register on one website, say it was an Alberta oil sands supplier website, that would be great,” Dussin reflects.

What else is on his wish list? Some help matching oil sands buyers with capacity outside Alberta. “A lot of Alberta fabricators are very busy and they’re offering long deliveries. Buyers may not know they can go to Ontario to get [supply] and I’m sure they could go to Quebec [or] New Brunswick. But that kind of integration across the provinces isn’t really happening.”

Without a physical presence in Alberta, it’s hard to learn about opportunities, and conversely, end users don’t know about eastern capabilities.

He’s reluctant to set up a shop in Alberta though, due to the province’s shortage of welders and fitters. Plus, Ontario already has the capacity, and despite the distance to market, transportation isn’t a big hurdle.

“We often talk to customers who assume shipping our product from Ontario is cost-prohibitive, given the large sizes and weights involved. However, transportation is a relatively small proportion of the cost, and when we’re given an opportunity to quote, our customers find that even with transportation included, we are competitive with Alberta fabricators,” Dussin says.

Shorter lead times Costs are kept reasonable by Ontario’s relatively cheaper labour rate. Available capacity means better lead times, he adds.

Clearly, there’s a strong business case, but the challenge is getting the word out.

“It’s incumbent upon us as a supplier to try to find a way to have a presence in that market. Events such as the Buyer Seller Forum are a good idea, and I would hope that the Ontario and Alberta governments could help us in some way by matching customers with suppliers.”

Dussin predicts modularization will unlock more opportunities outside Alberta. With a shortage of construction and skilled labour in Alberta, it’s getting harder to assemble plants in the field.

“We’ve seen an increase in demand for skid-mounted equipment that can be built and assembled in the comfort of a fabrication shop and then delivered on a truck to the site. This will allow companies operating in the oil sands to take advantage of manufacturing capacity further from their location.”

As these trends unfold, Alps Welding will continue to cultivate the nascent east-west energy supply chain, maintain its rapid growth trajectory, and foster the flexibility and quality standards that have brought it so far.

MRO For more information, visit the website at alpswelding.com.

Online Reader Inquiry No. 657

14-12-05 12:11 PM

Photos: Benchmark Maintenance Services

Tapping oil sands

Cross-training of its employees helps an Ontario-based fabricator land Alberta energy deals via subcontract work.

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December 2014

Machinery & Equipment MRO

alignment INVESTING IN CONVEYOR

BC’s Belterra uses conveyor belt alignment technologies in the West’s extreme environments.

BY JOHN LAMBERT

Photos: Benchmark Maintenance Services

W

hen the topic of belt drives comes up around the shop, many people will think of V-belt alignment. But V-belt alignment is easy. Maintenance departments can invest in instruments – such as a digital wireless belt alignment system – that can help with high-priority drives.

How about a challenge like taking on the alignment of a big, long conveyor belt like the ones used at coal mines or in Western Canada's oil sands? That’s what the team at Delta, BC-based Belterra does on a daily basis.

Some of the conveyor systems that Belterra employees work on are massive.

This means they need the tools and instruments to support the work they have to perform. For instance, they can splice together a 12-ft-wide belt, which is no easy task. When you consider that steel cables, which run through the belt, have to be opened, then matched and aligned to the other side so that a massive clamp can vulcanize the two sections together, you can imagine the kind of effort needed here.

Mike McInnis heads up Belterra’s alignment team and for this kind of work, he uses an Easy-Laser E970 Geometric Alignment & Measurement System. When performing precision geometric measurements in the field, he measures straightness, flatness, square, parallel, plumb and so on.

One of the first jobs McInnis had was to align a bend pulley on a large coal conveyor system. This pulley was a ‘bad actor’, as we say. The misalignment of the pulley was causing excessive wear of the pulley lagging, which lead to severe belt misalignment as well as premature replacement of the pulley.

There had been quite a few attempts by other contractors to align the pulley with no success, but McInnis was up for the challenge – and now the system is still running with the same pulley 12 months later. But you might expect this from a company that has a slogan that reads ‘Success is no accident’, and which invested in the necessary equipment and training in order to meet its customers’ requirements.

Recently, I had an opportunity to work with McInnis at one of the big oil corporations in the Fort McMurray, AB, area. I was showing him how to use a new wireless digital precision level that supports his geometric laser system.

This job was on a ‘small-length’ conveyor system about 900 ft long, with a belt length of about 1,800 ft. The work involved measuring the straightness of the actual conveyor frame in an effort to minimize belt misalignment.

This is a simple set up where we ran a laser beam parallel to the conveyor through two reference points, much like you would set up a piano wire. But here, the difference is that a beam can be set up in minutes and moved easily. You

p17-21 MRO Dec2014 OilGasMining.indd 21

then measure from the frame out to the beam with a precision sensing detector.

The difference here to traditional methods is that everyone on site can see the measured digital result and that result can automatically be saved.

The findings of such an alignment are critical in determining the best approach

for correcting any misalignment. Frame misalignment can be 1/8 in. out over 40 ft, which is OK if there is a natural ebb and flow to it, but if this error is compounded, you would end up with a banana shape that would make the tracking of the belt difficult.

In these extreme environments, it’s hard to imagine that a company could supply pulleys designed and engineered for infinite life, but they do. However, the proviso is that you can install it and align it yourself, but Belterra insists on taking a validation alignment measurement. It’s no surprise that the company would get

The alignment system components can be set up and moved easily.

the important things right – its success wasn’t an accident either.

MRO John Lambert is with Benchmark Maintenance Services, Pickering, ON Online Reader Inquiry No. 650

Online Reader Inquiry No. 132

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L U B R I C A T I O N

December 2014

Machinery & Equipment MRO

DON’T GET BURNED BY HIGH-TEMPERATURE

Understanding the characteristics of high-temperature greases in the field.

®

Krytox® lubricants will: • Insure bearings run quieter and wear less • Reduce rusting as well as extend bearing and component life • Protect bearings under high loads • Prevent metal-to-metal contact and thereby reduce wear They are chemically inert; safe for use with acids, bases or other harsh chemicals and reactive gases. Non-toxic, nonflammable, oxygen compatible, thermally stable, operates at temperatures u p t o 8 0 0 ° F, l o w vapor pressure, low outgassing. Offers extreme pressure, anticorrosion and antiwear properties.

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Online Reader Inquiry No. 134

p22-25 MRO Dec14 Lube.indd 22

Temperature °C

™

Dupont Krytox Lubricants

limits that is more realistic than claims with a similar dropping point, would typbased on Dropping Point. In addition, ically be accorded a higher upper tembearing tests can also provide guidance perature limit by virtue of the improved to required grease re-lubrication interperformance of the synthetic base oil. vals at normal operating temperatures.

Mobil Polyrex EM would also be accorded There are several bearing tests genera high-temperature limit approaching ally employed to evaluate grease high400°F (200°C) on a Dropping Point basis. temperature limits. In all of these tests, By sharp contrast, the limiting tembearings mounted in five identical rigs perature for continuous operation arare run in parallel. The hours to grease rived at through DIN 51821 (FE9) bearfailure in each rig can be treated using ing tests would be given as 275°F (135°C) Weibull statistics to determine the time for Mobilgrease XHP 222, 300°F (150°C) at which 50% of the bearings are expectfor Mobilith SHC 220, and 340°F (170°C) ed to fail. This defines the L50 life of the for Mobil Polyrex EM. candidate grease at the chosen test temThe difference in temperature limits perature. predicted from dropping point and bearIndustrial high-temperature grease ing test criteria are thus highly signifitests include ASTM Method D3336, the cant, translating into as much as a tenSKF R0F test and the the DIN 51821 fold change in expected grease life. test.

ExxonMobil has chosen to base continASTM Method D3336, commonly uous-operation recommendations upon known as the ‘Spindle Life’ or ‘Pope’ test, the results of such bearing tests, at the typically operates five 6204 ball bearings same time recognizing that operation at at 10,000 rpm under a 20-hours-on/fourtemperatures exceeding this recommenhours-off duty cycle. Grease failure is dedation can be tolerated for short periods tected by temperature excursion or exwith appropriate adjustments to re-lubricessive bearing torque. cation intervals.

The SKF R0F test employs two 6204 In assessing the potential of different test ball bearings in a continuous operatgreases to satisfy the needs of an applicaing mode in each of the five test rigs. tion, make sure you're comparing apples Grease failure is detected by bearing to apples. temperature excursion. The n Based on Dropping Point R0F test has flexibility to n Based on FE9 Bearing Test 200 vary both speed and load, 390 but a lightly loaded set-up at 10,000 rpm is typical. The 180 355 upper continuous operating temperature limit for a 160 grease is generally deter320 mined by the highest temperature at which the L50 140 285 life will exceed 1,000 hours.

The DIN 51821 (or FE9) 120 test uses 7206B angular 250 contact ball bearings, which may be run in one of three 100 215 Mobilgrease Mobilith SHC Mobil Polyrex standard modes. Method A, XHP 222 220 EM in which unshielded bearings are packed with 2 ml of grease, is typically run at Bearing tests provide more realistic operating temperature guidelines 6,000 rpm with a 1,500 N than can be derived from using the grease Dropping Point. axial load to classify a grease's high-temperature limit. Grease Finally, always remember that the failure is detected by bearing torque inbase oil component of the grease is pricrease, as indicated by an increase in the marily responsible for lubrication. The power requirement of the rig motor. correct base oil viscosity ensures that an Under the DIN 51825 Type K Grease oil film of adequate elastohydrodynamic Classification system, the maximum (EHL) thickness is formed. The end-user temperature at which a grease may be should remember that viscosity may well used for continuous lubrication is defined be the limiting factor for a given grease as the highest temperature at which an at the equipment operating temperature.

L50 of 100 hours is achieved.

Choosing a grease with the right hightemperature limit, defined by bearing test Assessing grease performance results, and the right base oil, is the key to Understanding how the temperature casuccessful lubrication in challenging highpability of a grease has been defined can temperature environments.

MRO allow a user to make a better-informed lubrication decision. For example, the high-temperature limit of Mobilgrease This article was prepared by Exxon Mobil XHP 222 based upon a Dropping Point Corporation. For more information, visit criterion might conservatively be given mobilindustrial.com. as 350°F (177°C). Mobilith SHC 220, Online Reader Inquiry No. 658 Temperature °F

G

under test conditions.

At best, this has a tenuous relationship to real-life high-temperature performance. It is still quite common to define the grease high-temperature limit by subtracting a nominal temperature – often 100°F (55°C) – from the grease Dropping Point.

Bearing tests – a modern approach: A better way than using the Dropping Point is to define high-temperature performance capability in terms of a standardized bearing test. Such tests are conducted under accelerated operating conditions to promote grease ageing processes.

Factors limiting grease high-temperature performance include degradation resulting from thickener and base oil oxidation, and the loss of base oil due to grease bleed and evaporation.

In general, these dynamic grease life determinations better represent what occurs in the field, providing a measure of grease high-temperature performance

rease high-temperature claims based on different standards can vary widely. The range of approaches commonly used in the industry to define the maximum temperature at which a grease will provide adequate lubrication can be confusing for customers wishing to select the best product for their application. A lubrication decision based upon a published grease temperature range can lead to undesired consequences unless the user understands something about the basis for the high-temperature limit claimed.

Dropping point – the old way of doing things: Historically, high-temperature grease claims were based upon the grease Dropping Point. Primarily intended as a manufacturing quality control test to confirm proper thickener formation, rather than as a performance indicator, the Dropping Point indicates the temperature at which the grease thickener loses the capacity to retain oil

Image: Exxon Mobile Corporation

©iStockphoto/Thinkstock

grease claims

14-12-05 12:16 PM

Unexpected downtime can rattle your brain.

We know how critical it is for you to keep equipment operating at peak efficiency. After all, we’re manufacturers too.

That’s why we make lubricants that let you schedule maintenance on your own terms.

PRECISION™ XL EP2

Premium Multi-Application EP Grease Even in the most demanding applications PRECISION protects equipment up to 3 times longer than leading competitors and resists water washout to reduce maintenance costs.

Keep your business in gear with long-lasting Petro-Canada Lubricants.

Petro-Canada is a Suncor Energy business

Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under licence.

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Get more at lubricants.petro-canada.com Online Reader Inquiry No. 135

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14-12-05 12:18 PM

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L U B R I C A T I O N

December 2014

Machinery & Equipment MRO

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF

[grease] LIFE?

Jennifer Moritz, P.Eng., is training manager, SKF Canada. She can be reached at tel. 416-299-2897 or by e-mail at training.canada@skf.com.

BY JENNIFER MORITZ

Photo: ThinkStock.com

I

n many grease-lubricated bearing applications, the service life of the grease exceeds the bearing life, so that no grease needs to be added during the bearing life. For such applications, there are ready-greased bearings and bearing units with integral seals or shields, which are suitable for maintenance-free operation. Consider though, to which life would the grease be suitable. Is it the life of the machine, the life of the bearing or the life of the grease?

In order to judge if a maintenance-free solution is possible, the grease service life is estimated from operating parameters. In open bearings that are designed to be relubricated, this calculation produces the relubrication interval. The main factors that determine the grease service life (the relubrication interval) are the bearing type and size, speed, operating temperature, grease type and the bearing environment (orientation, rotation, cleanliness, ambient temperature, vibration, etc.).

The same calculation applies to sealed and shielded bearings.

Never expect grease in an operating bearing to last longer than grease on the shelf in a sealed container. Shelf life is a special case and considers the chemical make-up of the lubricant as well as storage in a properly sealed container in a properly controlled environment.

MRO

Mr.0 The Practical Problem Solver

Solving a grease problem in vertical machines

ONE-STOP SHOPPING FOR YOUR MEDIA BUY

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No need to shop around. With Machinery & Equipment MRO you can book all your media in one magazine.

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With MRO Magazine in print and online, we’re all you need!

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 Chemical Processing  Repair Shops  Rewind Shops  Electrical & Electronic Products  Metalworking

 Welding Shops  Maintenance Services  Utilities  Machinery Builders (OEMs)  Industrial Supply/Distribution

CANADA’S #1 PUBLICATION FOR THE INDUSTRIAL AFTERMARKET PRINT

ONLINE

• Serving industry since 1985 • 6 tabloid issues per year • Professional editorial content for maintenance professionals • Two dozen editorial awards • Audited circulation • 60,000 readers per issue • 92% of readers have direct purchasing influence

• 40,000 unique viewers monthly on mromagazine.com • Daily news updates • Extensive buyer’s guide • Weekly e-newsletter reaches 11,000+ subscribers • 56,000 page views per month • Custom e-blasts to generate sales leads

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOMIZED ADVERTISING PROPOSAL NOW! JIM PETSIS  jpetsis@mromagazine.com  416-510-6842 JAY ARMSTRONG  jarmstrong@mromagazine.com  416-510-6803

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Problem: I’m suffering repeated failures of vertically mounted, grease-lubricated Gates or house The ad downtime equipment. is getting serious! What’s causing those shiny bearing raceways, surface distress and spalling?

Solution: There may be a lubrication problem. Gravity forces grease to flow down through the bearing and leak out of the arrangement.

Using a higher-consistency grease (NLGI3) may be preferred to better retain the grease in the bearing.

Being vertical, these bearings need to be relubricated twice as often to maintain the correct available amount.

As well, seals need to be suitably designed for laction and contact to prevent premature grease loss.

Moral: For vertically mounted, greaselubricated equipment, special attention is needed in grease selection, relubrication procedures and sealing.

For the right selection, consult SKF Canada’s LubeSelect and for the right amounts and for intervals, consult DialSet; both engineering tools are found on SKF’s Knowledge Centre at www.skf.com/group/knowledge-centre/ index.html For this tip, Mr. O’s thanks go out to Jennifer Moritz, P.Eng., training manager, SKF Canada.

Do you have a solution for a maintenance problem? Send it in and if it’s published, we’ll send you a Mr. O Problem Solver T-shirt. Include your name, company, address, and telephone number or e-mail address. Provide complete details and, if possible, include a sketch to help explain your tip.

Send your tips to Mr. O, c/o broebuck@mromagazine.com, or by post to: Machinery & Equipment MRO, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9.

14-12-02 11:54 AM

14-12-05 12:19 PM

The world of synthetic lubricants just took three giant leaps forward.

Challenging times and changing technology call for forward-thinking solutions. That’s why we’ve taken our proven Mobil SHC™ synthetic lubricants — the standard-setting oils and greases for more than 40 years — into the future, unleashing the next generation of productivity with three new advances. Each delivering overall balanced performance with substantial energy-efficiency benefits.

Mobil SHC™ 600 Series — The enhanced formulation improves viscosity and low-temperature properties as it delivers outstanding performance across a wide range of circulating and gear applications.

Mobil SHC™ Gear — This high-performance gear oil was reengineered to deliver optimum equipment oil life in gearboxes, even under extreme conditions, with significant reduction in energy consumption.* Mobil SHC™ Gear OH Series — Our customized formulation for the Off-Highway sector features dependable technology with excellent low-temperature performance.

Photo: ThinkStock.com

Discover the advanced technology of Mobil SHC. To see how four decades of synthetic innovation just jumped a generation ahead, visit mobilindustrial.com.

*The energy efficiency design is a trademark of Exxon Mobil Corporation. Energy efficiency relates solely to the fluid performance when compared with conventional reference oils of the same viscosity grade in gear applications. The technology used allows up to 3.6% efficiency compared with the reference when tested in circulating and gear applications under controlled conditions. Efficiency improvements will vary based on operating conditions and applications.

Copyright © 2014 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All rights reserved.

All trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries unless otherwise noted.

Online Reader Inquiry No. 136

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Machinery & Equipment MRO

December 2014

What’s new in lubrication System lubricates chain with precision through sprockets

The Timken Interlube Rotalube system significantly extends chain life and reduces maintenance costs. In applications as diverse as theme park rides, car manufacturing plants and bakery ovens, Rotalube is a precise method of lubricating chain. It is a patented invention that delivers the right amount of lubricant to the exact point of the chain that enables lubricant to penetrate into the bearing areas. Comparable drip feed, manual application, brush application and spit/ spray systems have varying degrees of success and can struggle to hit the right spot, especially when chain speeds fluctuate. Rotalube’s simple yet precise technology is not affected by speed fluctuation. Rotalube has a unique porting system that meters lubricant through precision ejectors incorporated within the sprocket assembly.

Timken Canada Online Reader Inquiry No. 636

Synthetic lubricant website gets enhanced new look

Ultrachem has updated its online resource, ultracheminc.com, for premium-

Lubrication line hose speeds up installation, cuts costs

the company's lines of lubricants, oils and gels. The cross-reference guide makes it easy for users to match any Ultrachem products with those of any competitor. The website also makes it easy to request a private branding form for the private labelling of the company's standard product line in a personalized package. Other resources include information on oil analysis, product mixing and compatibility, service life and temperature.

Ultrachem Online Reader Inquiry No. 627

Food-grade lubricant meets NSF category H3 standards

NSK has announced that it has developed a lubricant grease made from 100% food-grade ingredients. This environmentally friendly, petroleum-free grease is made entirely from food-based ingredients, including the base oil, thickening agent and additives. Only ingredients that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA are used in the grease, which is registered as an NSF category H3 lubricant. Naturally biodegradable and producing no toxic wastes, the grease is injected in rolling bearings that have been added to the company’s Spacea series stainless steel rolling bearings. It reduces leakage and improves durability, even in environments that are exposed to water.

NSK Canada Online Reader Inquiry No. 630

Multi-purpose grease clings well in tough industrial conditions grade synthetic oils and greases. The website includes multilingual product handbooks and brochures, cross-reference guides, and product data sheets on

Prolong Super Lubricants offers EP-2 multi-purpose grease formulated with its Anti-Friction Metal Treatment technology, which reduces heat and friction in harsh, demanding environments.

Offering a high degree of corrosion pro-

Parker's HLB remote grease hose makes it easy to properly perform quick and effective preventive maintenance on all types of industrial, mobile and transportation equipment.

These lines connect grease port locations to a convenient service access panel where grease can be manually distributed throughout the machine. HLB lubrication hose utilizes a panel-mounted hose fitting with an integral zerk fitting port. Locknuts, zerk nipples and caps can also be subassembled. Lightweight and highly flexible, this cost-effective hose operates in temperatures from minus 40°F up to plus 212°F. Also available is a high-temperature solution for applications up to 450°F. The company's 919 PTFE hose used with the GK hose fitting offers long life in harsh environments. Sizes range from 1/8 in. I.D. up to 1 in. I.D. Parker Hannifin, Parflex Division Online Reader Inquiry No. 628

tection, high dropping point and mechanical stability, this calcium sulphonate grease provides good resistance to water and oxidation, high load-carrying ability and superior performance in a wide temperature range. It is compatible for use where traditional siliconebased grease is used, but it does not contain heavy metals or additives such as phosphorous, zinc or lead. Available in 35-lb pails or 120-lb and 400-lb drums, the grease increases the longevity of bearings in bulldozers, conveyor lines and cables.

Prolong Super Lubricants Online Reader Inquiry No. 626

Versatile grease with thickener protects equipment from heat, moisture and heavy loads

Lubrication Engineers has introduced Monocal GP grease 1499, a versatile, long-lasting and general-purpose lubricant for use in severe conditions, especially those in which moisture problems are caused by high humidity, elevated operating temperatures and severe environmental contamination. This NLGI 2 grease features high-viscosity base fluid, calcium sulfonate complex thickener and Monolec wear-reducing additive. This combination imparts a very high drop-

Speed + Strength LOCTITE® 4090™ Hybrid Adhesive

ping point, good inherent extreme pressure characteristics, mechanical stability and water resistance, and low oil bleed. The calcium sulfonate thickener possesses an inherent ability to prevent rust and corrosion, even in sea water.

Typical industrial applications include many types of bearings, forging equipment, machine tools, presses, rolling mills and rotary aerators. Automotive applications include ball joints, chassis, front axle arrangements, U-joints and wheel bearings.

Lubrication Engineers of Canada Online Reader Inquiry No. 635

Nano-ceramic grease offers long service life, reduces friction

DayLube environmentally friendly, high-performance nano-ceramic grease from Dayton Progress maintains its original viscosity and adhesion, even

after 100,000 production strokes, extending service intervals for all types of production equipment. Its friction-reduction and wear-resistance properties make it suited to a wide range of industrial applications such as the protection of bearings, bushings, cables, cams, chains, conveyors, robotics, wear plates and more. Operating in temperature ranges from minus 40°F to plus 800°F, the NSF-H1 food-grade-certified grease has high load-bearing properties and a low dielectric constant, does not contain metal or silicone and is resistant to steam, acids and most chemical products. It is available in 16-oz tubes and 16-oz jars, as well as 1-gal and 5-gal pails.

Dayton Progress Online Reader Inquiry No. 629

This innovative adhesive combines the speed of an instant adhesive with the strength of a structural adhesive. LOCTITE® 4090™ delivers both performance & versatility to solve your design & assembly challenges.

• Strong – strength of a structural adhesive

For more information or find out how to get a sample, visit www.henkelna.com/4090 or call 1.855.436.5356.

• Fills gaps up to 0.2“

• Fast – speed of an instant adhesive • High impact and vibration resistance – 3x more than instant adhesives • Temperature resistance to 300°F • Suitable for a variety of substrates, including metals, most plastics and rubbers

All marks used are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Henkel and its affiliates in the U.S. and elsewhere. ® = registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. © 2014 Henkel Corporation. All rights reserved. 13040. AD-185-14.

Online Reader Inquiry No. 137

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Anti-seize products receive US Mil-Spec qualification

The US Naval Sea Systems Command has granted MIL-PRF-907F qualification status to two Henkel anti-seize products. Formulated to prevent seizing, galling and corrosion on metals, Loctite C5-A Copper Based Anti-Seize and Loctite Silver Grade Anti-Seize resist high temperatures, heavy loads, chemicals, fluids and vibration, and are available in general-purpose, metal-free, food-grade, marine-grade and high-purity formulas.

Henkel Online Reader Inquiry No. 634

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Machinery & Equipment MRO

What’s new in parts cleaning Tank cleaning nozzles provide broad range of coverage

Powered by the flow of the cleaning liquid, TankJet 9 tank cleaning nozzles from Spraying Systems provide reliable, effective rinsing.

The flat spray nozzles mounted in a rotating spray head operate in any position – vertical or horizontal. Three versions are available.

TankJet 9-A produces two flat side sprays for 2 x 175-degree coverage for use in tanks up to 1.8 m (6 ft) in diameter. TankJet 9-B produces six flat sprays for 360-degree coverage for use with tanks up to 3.6 m (12 ft) in diameter, while TankJet 9-C produces six flat sprays for 360-degree coverage for use with tanks up to 4.8 m (16 ft) in diameter. The unit is suitable for clean-in-place and sanitary applications and can also be used for chemical distribution and passivation. Applications include cleaning brewery tanks, chemical containers, drums/kegs, food processing tanks, pharmaceutical tanks and wine barrels/ vats.

Spraying Systems Online Reader Inquiry No. 618

Cleaning fluid helps minimize environmental footprint

DuPont Fluorochemicals has announced that Vertrel Sion specialty cleaning fluid is available for use in Canada. A safe, non-flammable and sustainable product for industrial cleaning applications such as vapour degreasing, the product is used in degreasing, defluxing, silicone removal and general solvent cleaning. It has a solvency rating greater than 100 and can replace nPB, TCE and HCFC225. This reusable, recyclable cleaning fluid, with a Global Warming Potential of less than 15, can be used in existing equipment, requires no stabilizer maintenance for hassle-free use and can clean a broad range of soils and contaminants.

DuPont Online Reader Inquiry No. 611

Aqueous parts washer filters solution between loads

ADF Systems' Model 8 table-top aqueous parts washer is designed for use in maintenance operations or production work stations. For production applications, cutting fluids and chips can be

Mobile app helps in selection of products for non-toxic tasks

Walter Surface Technologies has released the Bio-Circle Cleaner Selector Guide, a mobile app for use with Apple iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, as well as for Google Android devices. Available in multiple languages, the app is designed to help users select the best Bio-Circle solution for non-toxic industrial cleaning tasks. It serves as an instant, real-time reference guide that is easy to use, fast and up-to-date.

Once they have downloaded the app, users enter details based on criteria, including type of contaminant to be cleaned, surface type, required cleaning method, size of surface to clean and certifications required, if any. The app will process the input and select the most suitable Bio-Circle product for the user's specific application.

Walter Surface Technologies

a flow-through brush using environmentally friendly hot water and detergents.

After the part or parts are cleaned, the solution flows through a felt blanket filter before returning to the reservoir, removing dirt particles larger than 100 microns. Water temperature is maintained by a thermostatically controlled immersion heater.

ADF Systems

Online Reader Inquiry No. 613

Parts washer provides precision cleaning of components

Online Reader Inquiry No. 612

Contact cleaner effectively cleans sensitive equipment

Krylon Products Group's Electro Wizard Contact Cleaner gently and safely removes, dissolves and rinses away foreign contaminants from circuit boards, precision instruments and other sensitive equipment. It evaporates instantly and leaves behind no residue. The product has an extremely low VOC content, is designed to be non-flammable even when exposed to a direct flame, and can be applied directly to equipment while it is running. Applications include relays and switches, meters, radar and x-ray equipment, hydraulic and missile fuel systems, timing devices, office machines, electronic games, computer systems and memory devices, satellite communication equipment and TV-video equipment.

Krylon Products Group Online Reader Inquiry No. 616

Semi-automatic immersion parts washer handles heavy loads

Graymills has introduced an affordable work horse, the TL Series Liftkleen

semi-automatic, immersion parts washer.

It features heavy-gauge metal construction with durable powder-coated exteriors, and, for aqueous applications, adds stainless steel construction, an insulated tank and thermostatically adjustable heat up to 180°F. Electro-pneumatic lift mechanisms provide 300 lb of weight capacity with adjustable stroke and speed settings, while platform and tank dimensions accommodate large parts up to 47 in. by 18 in. by 24 in. An available 3,000-gph internal agitation pump for improved in-tank cleaning, and filtration and oil skimmer for fluid consistency round out the features.

Graymills Online Reader Inquiry No. 617

Built on the Midi and Maxi platforms, the AVD300 aqueous parts washing system from MecWash Systems features a small footprint. This compact, fully automatic system removes all types of contaminants, including soluble and mineral oils and greases, polishing compounds, lapping pastes and NDT dye penetrants from sensitive alloys and other metals. Its compact design allows for location in small-volume, high-precision machining cells, while the hightemperature variant (cleaning at over 100°C) handles really tough contami-

nants. Developed for the aerospace, defence, medical and other precision industries, this versatile aqueous cleaning system suits both large components and dense baskets of small parts.

MecWash Systems Online Reader Inquiry No. 614

MRO

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For more information call - (800)446-7404 Email - industrialbrands@snapon.com snapon.com/industrialbrands

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GO WITH THE FLO! Online Reader Inquiry No. 138

Online Reader Inquiry No. 139

14-12-05 12:23 PM

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Machinery & Equipment MRO

December 2014

What’s new in chain and belt drives Roller chain for oil and gas offers reliability in the field

Premium roller chain for oil and gas extraction is available from Renold.

These pre-packaged coiled tubing injector chain kits reduce costs and downtime, extend operating life and eliminate

waste. Designed to handle the forces and stresses of coil tubing injectors, the chains reduce the risks of damage to CT strings. Features include through-hardened pins, available Shepherd's Crook or split cotters, solid bushings, GP wide waist plate and superior fatigue resistance. All chain components come ready for use, and the chain is manufactured to API specifications.

Renold Canada Online Reader Inquiry No. 603

High-torque synchronous drive system offers energy savings

Baldor Electric’s Dodge HT500 synchronous drive system delivers high torque, low maintenance and potential energy savings with less overhung load than V-belts. The companion to HT500 sprockets is the Baldor-Dodge HT500 hightorque synchronous belt (8-mm and 14-mm metric pitch). Designed to withstand wet and oily conditions, the hightorque belt is made with polyurethane for harsh environment resistance and carbon fibre cords. A full line of compact, power-dense Taper-Lock sprockets, fin fan QD sprockets and MPB sprockets also are available. The company’s madeto-order capability includes split-tapered

options, as well as a variety of tooth count, materials and plating. Sprockets

Improvements to roller chain series result in longer life

Diamond Chain has introduced the Duralube Live roller chain series, a selflubricating chain series with extended service life. Built from the company’s original Duralube product platform, the series features improvements that include free-turning rollers and case-hardened pins, both of which help to extend service life for wear-based applications. It is available for single-strand ANSI sizes 40 through 80. Additional product sizes, attachment chain and Class I and Class II matched lengths will be available beginning January 2015. The addition of a food-grade lubricant, and plated components for superior corrosion resistance and cleanability, makes this product option suitable for food industry applications.

Diamond Chain Online Reader Inquiry No. 602

are made with the modified curvilinear tooth profile for 8-mm and 14-mm pitches.

Baldor Electric Online Reader Inquiry No. 601

Corrosion-resistant roller chain suits rigours of food industry

Kaman’s ReliaMark corrosion-resistant roller chains are constructed of AISI 304 stainless steel for use in food and beverage, pharmaceutical and similar production environments. The chains are manufactured to meet stringent quality specifications for materials and workmanship, ensuring chain length, heat treatment and tensile strength are uniform and consistent. They are available in single- and double-strand ANSI sizes # 25-80, extended pitch conveyor standard- and large-roller ANSI sizes # 2040-

2082, and British Standard single-strand sizes 06-12. ANSI sizes are available in packaged lengths of 10 ft, 50 ft and 100 ft, and British Standard chains are packaged in 10-ft lengths.

Kaman Industrial Technologies Online Reader Inquiry No. 607

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

LITERATURE GUIDE ARC POWER® CATALOG “B217” BRECOflex, CO., L.L.C., offers state-of-the-art polyurethane timing belts with patented “ARC” tooth design. This revolutionary continuous engagement tooth form produces the smoothest running and quietest timing belt available. Typical applications include medical imaging, camera motion control and precision extrusion pulling where the most advanced belting technology is required.

Sound reduction of 8 dB or more is typical over straight tooth designs.

ARC POWER® timing belts are available in open ended, welded and and truly endless construction for linear drives, conveying and power transmission applications.

For your FREE copy, samples and technical support, visit our website at www.brecoflex.com or call 732-460-9500.

Online Reader Inquiry No. 143 KOYO CANADA OFFERS BALL & ROLLER NOMENCLATURE GUIDE To help customers choose the right bearing for their application, Koyo is pleased to release a new nomenclature guide for their line of Ball, Needle, and Roller Bearings. Contact your local authorized Koyo distributor or Koyo Canada for more information at 1-800-263-5163, www.koyo.ca.

Online Reader Inquiry No. 146

ONSITE ASSESSMENT FOR IMPROVED PUMP PERFORMANCE KSB’s System Efficiency Services (SES) is a comprehensive analysis of pump and piping system performance, based on measurements made at a customer’s plant. Multi-parameter data collection, backed up by KSB’s expertise, help solve performance problems and uncover opportunities for improved energy efficiency. Find out more from the free brochure.

For more information visit http:// www.ksb.ca Brochure/flyer also available via call-in at KSB Canada 905 5689200.

Online Reader Inquiry No. 144

HIGH LOADS. HIGH SPEED. HIGH SATISFACTION. NSK High Performance Series (HPS™) Spherical Roller Bearings offer higher speed and load capacities for a wide variety of industrial applications. Increase operating life, reduce maintenance costs and optimize performance with innovative bearing design only from NSK. Learn more at thinknsk.ca.

Online Reader Inquiry No. 147

TO RUN YOUR LIT REVIEW HERE, PLEASE CONTACT:

Jim Petsis at 416-510-6842 / jpetsis@mromagazine.com or Jay Armstrong at 416-510-6803 / jarmstrong@bizinfogroup.ca.

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ROTALUBE® – CHAIN LUBRICATION SYSTEM FROM INTERLUBE – A TIMKEN BRAND Chain lubrication by traditional manual or brush application can be messy, costly or just plain ineffective. ROTALUBE is a chain lubrication system that provides a unique and precise method of applying accurate and consistent amounts of oil directly to the chain linkages as the chain is in operation – saving time and costly lubricant consumption. ROTALUBE is a controlled applicator that maintains needed lubrication whatever the condition of the chain.

Automatic lubrication systems are sold in complete kits that include the pump, controller, regulators, tube and fittings.

Online Reader Inquiry No. 145

ENHANCE MATERIAL FLOW Enhance material flow with the new Cougar® NHD-110 hydraulic truck vibrator. Improve unloading speed & efficiency, increase safety and minimize manual cleanout. The NHD-110 is lightweight, provides minimal power consumption, has a lower installed height, uses highstrength ductile iron, and has adjustable eccentric weights.

Advantages are low maintenance, more force per size/ weight, and variable speed. Continuous duty available. Electric option available. An extended warranty plan is offered. Contact us today at 309-852-2384 or visit martin-eng.com.

MARTIN ENGINEERING

Online Reader Inquiry No. 148

14-12-05 12:23 PM

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Machinery & Equipment MRO

Improving reliability with

Photo: Thinkstock.com

December 2014

SIMPLE STEPS

BY PETER PHILLIPS

There are

This issue’s column continues an ongoing discussion of a current project aimed at improving maintenance operations at an Ontario food plant.

A

list of maintenance criteria that will help improve equipment reliability is being used by the food plant we are working with to improve its maintenance operations. The use of this list was implemented after a series of equipment failures, as it was time to look closely at some issues that were affecting equipment reliability. Here is the list: 1. Critical equipment checks that should be done hourly, per shift and daily.

2. Critical equipment components that need to be checked before start-up and after sanitation procedures, etc.

3. How to communicate with operators to identify impending equipment failures.

4. Cross-over training between mainte nance and set-up.

5. How to improve the start-up of the lines.

6. How to set up the next shift for success.

7. How to plan maintenance opportuni ties with the maintenance planner.

8. How and when to look for the root cause of equipment failures.

9. How to improve PM (preventive maintenance) tasks and frequencies.

10. How to improve the stockroom.

From this list, we had decided on three critical factors that everyone felt would help improve equipment reliability. Although all 10 items need to be reviewed, discussed and implemented, the three we chose offer some immediate reliability improvements. They are: 1. Daily shift rounds on equipment, 2. PM review and 3. Machine guards.

Daily shift rounds on equipment Maintenance personnel will walk the production lines every two hours to: u Assess equipment operation and look for problems. u Talk to operators regarding equipment performance and problems/impending breakdowns.

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u Record these issues on the daily maintenance log spreadsheet, and immediately repair or adjust if possible. u The log will be reviewed by the day shift and any appropriate action will be taken. u The log will be posted daily on the plant electronic communication board.

In my previous article, I mentioned that I had worked a shift at this plant as a new production operator. I wrote about how poorly the equipment I operated had run and how I didn’t see a maintenance person all shift. You may also recall that the machine had a torn belt that caused four hours of downtime, which could have been prevented had a maintenance person talked with the operator during the shift.

This initiative is meant to encourage maintenance people and production operators to communicate about equipment performance. Operators know their equipment the best of all staff. They notice unusual sounds, smells and abnormalities in equipment operation that can forecast trouble and breakdowns.

Addressing these shift issues would improve the random breakdowns the plant is experiencing. Work orders will be created to follow up on potential problems and the electronic communication board will update the progress of operator-reported issues.

PM review PMs for every line need to be reviewed. Currently, many hours are spent on PMs, however downtime has increased in some cases and daily breakdowns are common. A structured approach to PM reviews will be started and completed line by line. PM frequencies will be reviewed and detailed instructions and manufacturer recommendations will be included in all inspections.

The maintenance department will set aside Wednesday and Friday mornings 2

maintenance strategies to improve reliability and THREE are critical for this plant. from 8:30-9:30 a.m. to review the PMs, specifically for Line 5.

Although the plant has a very high PM completion rate, it is not reflected in the downtime rate. One line that has been causing a lot of downtime was chosen for the first review.

After a few meetings, it was discovered that PM frequencies had not been adjusted as the production line time increased. For example, an annual conveyor PM that was developed when the plant ran eight hours a day is not adequate now that the line is running 24 hours a day/six days a week. Notably, some of these conveyors have had several breakdowns in the past few weeks.

Since the review has started, many improvements have been made for this line.

PM frequencies have changed, equipment has been added, and PM instructions have been added and changed. The remainder of the production lines will be addressed similarly in the coming months.

Machine guards Many conveyors and other equipment have guarding that does not facilitate the completion of running PMs and equipment observations. Not being able to see equipment components makes it very difficult to assess the equipment condition during daily maintenance rounds.

3

Some equipment guarding needs to be modified by using screening instead of solid panels. This can be done in-house or cooperatively between plant maintenance and contractors.

This item needs to be addressed and action steps need to be taken. This is a significant project that will take considerable time to complete. As production increases on all lines, it will be more and more important to be able to complete running PMs. Where possible, panels and guards need to be modified with screening and other see-through materials. This will give maintenance personnel the opportunity to access the equipment safely while doing visual inspections and allow them to recognize potential breakdowns.

On our next visit to this plant, we will be expecting a significant decrease in random equipment failures, as over a month will have passed since the maintenance crew started its daily rounds of checking equipment and talking to operators. The PM review and guard modification will take time to yield results, but will have a long-term effect on equipment reliability.

We are trying to develop a partnership where the maintenance and production departments share a common goal of equipment reliability. They need to have a relationship where both partners help each other to succeed each and every shift.

When both groups work together, the results are achieved at a much faster pace.

This type of cooperation is indeed a culture change for many manufacturing facilities. The following months must show improvements as we continually ask people to do more and to participate in day-to-day operations.

People often talk in broad terms about helping a company succeed and the need for everyone to participate. It is the small things we do every day that make the difference. Make your improvement plans simple to do and easy to implement. MRO Peter Phillips of Trailwalk Holdings, a Nova Scotia-based maintenance consulting and training company, can be reached at 902-798-3601 or by e-mail at peter@trailwalk.ca.

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R O A D December 2014

More than 800 attend PTDA’s Industry Summit

Orlando, FL – Nearly 600 power transmission and motion control industry representatives from over 250 member companies of the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) attended the PTDA 2014 Industry Summit. Along with an additional 230 spouses, companions and guests, the top executives convened in October at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, FL. The theme of the conference was ‘Imagine’.

“The relationships we begin, nurture and evaluate here at the Industry Summit allow us to imagine an even stronger distribution channel,” said PTDA president Ken Miko, director, category management and strategic accounts for BDI, Cleveland, OH. “In my own experience, this year’s Industry Summit just continued to reinforce the association’s mission to bring together distributors and manufacturers, working for the benefit of our mutual customers.”

PTDA Manufacturer Council chair Brian Kolman of Brewer Machine & Gear, St. Louis, MO, concurred: “The networking we can do at the Industry Summit – both in formal settings like MD-IDEX and in informal settings like our Industry Summit Bash – just further the value of the association and help me keep strong relationships with all of my channel partners.”

International delegates attended from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Trinidad and the United Kingdom.

Keynote speaker Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics predicted a growing economy, peaking in 2016, but noted a recession is probable for 2019.

In a workshop developed by the PTDA Next Gen Task Force specifically for emerging leaders, Mitch Bouchard of General Bearing Service Inc., Ottawa, and dozens of others shared their stories of gaining the respect of their peers as a leader.

Nearly 120 manufacturers exhibited at the Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange (MD-IDEX) program, which featured close to 700 meetings through prescheduled appointments and open times.

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To honour the memory of Wendy Burdon McDonald, one of the power transmission/motion control industry’s pioneers, who died in 2012 at age 90, the PTDA Foundation last year established the Wendy B. McDonald Award. The award acknowledges a woman who has established herself as a critical contributor to her company’s success and has affected positive change within the power transmission/motion control industry.

The first recipient of the award is Pat Wheeler, a branch manger with Motion Industries (Canada), Burnaby, BC. Wheeler credited “Mrs. Mac” with being her idol and mentor because she paved the way for her to feel confident enough to accomplish all that she has in her 34-year career. McDonald’s daughter, Penny Omnes, and son, Scott MacPherson, were on hand to present Wheeler with the award.

PTDA also named Kevin McCloskey, category manager, Kaman Industrial Technologies Corp., Bloomfield, CT, the 24th recipient of its Warren Pike Award for lifetime achievement in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry.

In the association’s elections, Ajay Bajaj, president, Rotator Products Ltd., Woodbridge, ON, was elected to become PTDA’s president in 2015. He succeeds Ken Miko of BDI. Bajaj has been active in PTDA since 2002, serving as a member of several task forces and four committees.

Cliff Bannon, eastern sales manager, Isostatic Industries Inc., Chicago, IL, was elected as the PTDA Manufacturer Council chair for 2015, succeeding Brian Kolman of Brewer Machine & Gear Co., St. Louis, MO. Bannon has served on the Council since 2008 and has been an active PTDA member for more than 16 years.

PTDA is a global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel.

Headquartered in Chicago, it represents distribution firms that generate more than $16 billion in sales and span over 3,400 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply to the PT/MC industry.

MRO

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Photos: Bill Roebuck

Machinery & Equipment MRO

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1. The newly elected president of PTDA for 2015, Ajay Bajaj of Rotator Products, holds his ceremonial gavel with his wife Neera. 2. Donna Baratto of Wajax Industrial Components, with her husband, Richard. 3. Penny Omnes and Scott MacPherson present Pat Wheeler (centre) of Motion Industries (Canada) with the first Wendy B. McDonald Award. 4. Kevin McCloskey of Kaman Industrial Technologies Corp. received the Warren Pike Award for lifetime achievement. 5. Angie Bisanti, Tony Bisanti, Mike Kenny and Bill Fuentes of RBI Bearing Inc. 6. Paulette Miernicke of Canadian Bearings and Rachel Avery of Wajax Industrial Components flank Dave Strutt of PTDA. 7. Keynote speaker Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics predicted a growing economy, peaking in 2016. 8. Corey Shaw and Frank Mascia of Timken. 9. Matt McCloy and Brad Gossard of Emerson Industrial Automation.

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14-12-05 12:24 PM

Whether you work on top of the world or deep in it‌

Whether your equipment is highly complex or fairly simple, you need your machines to work.

NTN has a solution that puts your mine at ease.

Online Reader Inquiry No.141

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14-12-05 12:26 PM

The problem: electrical current passing through bearings in electric motors can cause raceway damage that leads to premature bearing failure and, ultimately, expensive machine downtime.

The Schaeffler solution: rolling bearings featuring our proprietary Insutect™ ceramic coating or state-of-the-art ceramic balls. Both are designed to stop electrical current in its tracks.

Other Schaeffler innovations include raceway surface finishes for ball bearings that are so quiet, they have to be (not) heard to be believed. Our rigorously tested, high-grade Arcanol electric motor grease facilitates optimal bearing operation and extra-long life, while Schaeffler X-life™ cylindrical roller bearings are specifically designed to handle today’s increasingly high loads.

For rolling bearing solutions used in electric motors and machinery, Schaeffler sets the standard.

Now that’s electrifying!

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Superior-quality products.

Comprehensive reliable solutions.

Online Reader Inquiry No.142

10/21/2014 3:16:05 PM 14-12-05 12:27 PM