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There are many different types of devices that can be used to measure water, air and gas. One type is called a flow meter. Flow meters operate by sensing the force of the substance when it hits a target placed in the flow stream of the chamber of a strain gage. When force is applied to the target in the flow stream, a transmitter then converts the force to a 4-20 mA output that is proportional to the flow rate.

Flow meters come in all shapes and sizes from large and robust to small meek. Many industrial applications demand equipment that can withstand hazardous environments and everyday wear and tear. Niagara Meters designed a large offering of flow meters to meet the needs of most any industrial application. The Niagara Forcemeter™ is a liquid, steam or gas flow meter and operates by industry tried and trusted mechanisms.

Every Forcemeter™ incorporates a mechanical stop that protects the meter from flows greater than an application’s given full-scale flow rate. Mechanical stops protect the meter in both the forward and reverse direction from being bent or damaged from excessive force. The meter will not continue to produce an output beyond the point at which a mechanical stop is set. Typically, the mechanical stop is set approximately 25% above the maximum rated full-scale flow rate per the application requirements. Mechanical stops are not to be confused with an additional protection option known as “steam” stops.

Some applications require additional protection beyond the mechanical stop due to the nature of the application. Even though the name implies the use in steam applications alone, there are also other applications where a “steam” stop could be used. Steam stops are provided for all applications where the target rod length reaches 2” and greater for both steam and non-steam applications where the rod will be subject to extreme force. It is always important to fill out the application data form so that the factory can determine the appropriate protection for the meter.

Finding the flow meter that fits your application’s demands is easy with Niagara Meters. All of Niagara’s products are built to withstand extreme environments and the toughest of industrial applications. They have been known for their robust and proven flow meter designs for over 150 years. With years of experience and a range of flow measurement products, Niagara can find the right solution for you.

Find your Forcemeter™ at https://www.specialtyproducttechnologies.com/niagara-meters

Baked goods can most often be associated with celebrations. Whether it is for a large party or even a small gathering of friends, everyone looks for quality food. A few of the main factors that contribute to obtaining the best and most consistent baked goods are the ingredients, the equipment and of course, the right timing. It is a well-known fact that even a small variation in time or temperature can have drastic results when baking.

The food processing and industrial baking industries operate on the same principle, but on a much larger scale. The equipment that industrial bakers rely on must be accurate, all the time. Like baking goods at home, the equipment used to produce baked goods in an industrial setting includes mixers, ovens, and fryers.

The quantity of ingredients that are involved in baking goods, creates potential loss of resources in the event of a mechanical error in timing. Profits, downtime and safety are at risk when the baking equipment lacks a reliable and accurate timer. If implemented correctly, industrial timers will allow food processing applications to run smoothly by delivering accurate, reliable results every time, ensuring that there’s never a breakdown in machine operations

That’s why industrial bakers and food manufacturers turn to Eagle Signal for their large oven, mixer, and fryer applications. Timers enable machine operators to consistently measure ingredients and precisely monitor oven processes and baking times. In doing so, they prevent material waste, scrap, and the time and labor involved in reproduction. Machine operators also gain the ability to multi-task with repeatability and repetition that they find with an Eagle Signal timer.

Eagle Signal offers timers that range from multi-function to handset, and everything between. Eagle Signal timers are designed to provide user-friendly and accurate time and process control of oven baking time. Ensure that your baked goods deliver the anticipated reaction, no matter the occasion, with Eagle Signal timers. 

Bindicator’s point level measurement products are on/off devices with relay or switch outputs. Point level sensors indicate when material in a vessel is present or absent at a specific point. These durable, simple devices require little to no maintenance and are easy to install and set up.

The PulsePoint™ is a series of point level measurement devices designed for low and high-level indication of granules and powders. It is a vibrating rod that senses material using a mechanical principle and is not affected by the dielectric constant of the material. This makes it an ideal sensor in plastics, dust, cement, lime, sand, grain, feed, sugar, and many other applications.

No Calibration

You read that correctly. There is no calibration necessary for the PulsePoint™ to begin measuring. Once the device is installed, apply power and the PulsePoint™ will begin sensing material without adjustment.

Low Densities

Bulk inventory comes in all shapes and sizes. This point level measurement device performs well in environments with powders and granules as small as 2lbs / ft³. The PulsePoint™ works great in higher density materials and lump materials up to 9/16”, too. Changing the density or size of material in the vessel has no effect on the PulsePoint™.

False Alarming and Cavitation

The PulsePoint™ is designed with a dual fork assembly that does not compress material and cavitate like other single rod sensors do.

External Lights and Magnetic Test FOB

Bindicator designed this device with a red light to confirm the alarms condition and a green light to indicate the system and “fork” power. The user has the capability to perform an external test with a magnetic key (FOB) to check electronics, output relay, and customer wiring. The external test is performed without ever removing the device’s cover. This feature is an excellent safety feature for hazardous or wet areas where exposed power and circuitry is dangerous.

Fork Materials, Mounting, Extensions

Many top-notch materials make up the PulsePoint™. It is built with 316 stainless steel and Hastelloy forks and even incorporates 101/2” NPT, flanged, and 8” Roto-Bin™ mountings. The forks of the device are coated with Teflon® for “sticky” materials and Rislan™ for static clinging materials. For applications that require it, special “liquid/solid” interface assemblies are available. Also available when necessary are pipe extensions.

Do you need a solution for timing control applications? Eagle Signal has what you are looking for in the TF Hand Set Timer series and the HP699 Reset Timer series.  These electromechanical timers feature easy set up and run smooth and accurate out of the box. Read the points below to learn more benefits of Eagle Signal timers.

• Easy to use

  No codes, no programming, no problem! The TF Series and the HP699 Series operate by turning the knob shaft clockwise to set time and rotates counterclockwise during timing for cycle progress signal. Setting these timers are a breeze. The HP699 Series is capable of 0-20-minute timing, while the TF Series can accommodate 0-15 minute or 0-60-minute timing depending on the model.

• Easy to Install, Connect and Design In

  Both timer series have 115and 230 VAC 60 Hz models available. The TF Series are suitable for 50 or 60 Hz operation.

• Rugged and Reliable

  The TF Series and HP699 Series are immune to voltage variations and transient spikes, thus offering a long life dependable solution even in this age of high tech electronic devices. The TF Series has heavy duty, snap action contacts and buzzers that operate until the knob shaft switches to the "off" position. The HP699 Series has a vast design with a toggle switch for start/stop/reset. The HP699 Series is also resistant to cleaning/degreasing agents.

• Customization
  

  Being customizable is great when it comes to your business and your brand. The TF Series allows for an OEM to integrate their own brand through custom knobs and dial graphics. The TF Series does all the timing behind the scenes. The HP699 Series allows for custom knobs to incorporate the OEM brand.

• Manufactured in the U.S.A.
  Both timer series are manufactured in the Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Electromechanical timers operate in various timing modes, including on-delay, off-delay, and interval sequences. For users such as machine operators, short order cooks, or process technicians, ease of use is an important consideration. That is why electromechanical timers are the best fit for various applications. No codes, no programming, no problem! Learn more about these timer series by downloading their catalog sheets.

The Roto-Bin-Dicator® is a point level measurement device. Roto-Bin-Dicator® is the original rotating paddlewheel type dry bulk level indicator. It designed for any bulk materials that flow through a bin. This point level device is the most universal of all level sensing technologies. It is also the most popular level switch used in dry bulk materials. The Roto-Bin-Dicator® is easy to install, flexible and unique in design.

A low torque, mechanical motor turns the Roto-Bin-Dicator® paddle when the bulk material is not present. The paddle extends into the storage bin on a flexible shaft. When bulk material meets the paddle, the resistance to movement is sensed. This resistance causes the paddle to stop rotating and the relay to change state. The switch remains engaged until the paddle is free to turn again.

Roto-Bin-Dicators are typically installed on the top or side of the bin or silo. This is so that it can detect when the material is almost full or almost empty as accurately as possible. No calibration is required to install Roto-Bin-Dicator® to your vessel.

The Roto-Bin-Dicator® offers flexibility to accommodate any bulk material applications. With an extensive choice of paddle options, the Roto can adapt to a variety of applications and materials. These paddlewheel switches can be mounted vertically or horizontally in a tank with extended shafts if required. Also available if needed, is custom process fittings. With it’s unique, yet simple, design this mechanical device features few moving parts. Unique to the Bindicator model, the motor continues to run when the paddle rotation stops, providing moisture and seize protection.

A couple of important things to note are installation and extension of the Roto-Bin-Dicator®. It is crucial to mount the device where the material flow stream will clear the paddle.

The SmartPD positive displacement meter is a volumetric meter that provides total volume and flow rate measurement by way of an electronic transmitter adding closed loop control to your system. Its design eliminates the need for upstream and downstream pipe requirements. Its resistance to vibration limits false readings, making it a very reliable meter. Also, its technology allows this meter to interact with other monitoring devices through an output signal. These and other features make the SmartPD Meter a great solution for your liquid flow needs. It is important to install the correct meter for your application so that you save time and money down the road.

SmartPD Meters are available in a SND (nutating disc) or SOP (oscillating piston model. Nutating discs are driven by a disc that wobbles in the chamber of the meter. While oscillating pistons are driven by a piston that oscillates in the chamber of the meter. Nutating disc models and oscillating piston models operate different from one another. Therefore, each has applications that is more suited for than the other. For instance, SND models are ideal for liquid applications that encounter viscous liquids, oils, animal fat, tar and water. While SOP models are more ideal for liquids such as acids, solvents, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide and distilled water. Both types of SmartPD Meters are ideal for flow applications in which flow of material is volume based and excellent for low Reynolds numbers.

Whether you use utility trailers is for work or pleasure, they depend on preventative maintenance. This is the key to a long lasting, smooth rolling, sturdy piece of equipment. Always be sure your trailer stays ready to go for whenever duty calls. Preventative maintenance routines include inspecting the wire harnesses, LED lights, trailer connection, tires and wiring. This will make a difference in time and money you spend on major repairs.

At this point, you are probably wondering, “How do I know how often my trailer requires preventative maintenance?”. Some manuals will suggest preventative maintenance after a specific number of miles. Other factors include the trailers condition, age, annual mileage, and degradation. Also, there will be times when extra inspections are necessary. For example, when the utility trailer is doing heavier work than usual.

Either way, tracking the trailer’s mileage is essential in keeping a regular maintenance routine. Some may think that it is okay to base the maintenance program on weeks, months, or even years. The issue with that is you may use the trailer more often in some parts of the year than you do others. Thus, the wear and tear will be much more noticeable between maintenance.

Whether it is every 3,000 miles or 12,000 miles, have a clear and accurate understanding of your trailer’s mileage. Then, stick to a regular preventative maintenance schedule. This will give you the opportunity to catch minor issues before they become major. You will thank yourself down the road.

Conveyors in the food industry are presented with unique challenges due to the abrasiveness of the materials they carry. A few of the major issues in this application are electrical standards and motor application matching the intended task, salt or grit getting inside of the switch and eventually causing failure, conveyor efficiency and belt issues in applications where product alignment is critical.

Namco’s SNAP_LOCK® Technology ensures accurate position indication, user safety and reliable start and stop. SNAP-LOCK® solutions have a “snap” action which enables a quick action from one position to another, effectively eliminating dead band. The contacts are forced to be in one position or the other and cannot dwell in between open or closed. Instead of relying on spring or magnetic force, each switch has a locking mechanism that mechanically forces the contacts to stay closed until released by the trip lever. This eliminates any possible contact chatter due to vibration or seismic events. There is no need to replace NAMCO’s limit switches as often as a standard, low-quality model. They require less downtime, giving the user more production time.

It is particularly important to incorporate a NAMCO limit switch to any conveyor belt system because they can withstand the heavy duty, safety and hazardous location applications. NAMCO limit switches send a signal to the system controls to indicate the position of materials, count individual items travelling on the conveyor, and ensures that each one is in the right position and correctly aligned. They are also used to immediately stop a belt moving by the yank of a pull cable. This makes them the perfect tool as a manual switch for backup safety. Noncorrosive materials are used for a bronze housing and stainless-steel shaft to completely protect against external damage to the switch from salt spray or other corrosive elements.

Point level sensors measure material in a vessel at a specific point. The three types of point level devices are vibrating points, rotating paddles and sensors. It is important to understand where to install a point level device on top fill silos. If you install the device too close to the center or edge of the top of the silo, measurements can be inaccurate. Angle of repose, bridging and fill stream are factors that contribute to the best location for point level devices.

When granular material is dispensed in a vessel, it settles in a pile. Angle of repose is the steepest point of a pile of material. At this angle, the material on the slope face is on the verge of sliding. An angle of repose can range from 0° to 90°. A point level device installed at the center of the top of the vessel, measures the highest point of the pile. This same device at the edge of the top of the vessel, measures the lowest point of the pile. You can avoid inaccuracy such as this by installing point level devices between the center and edge of the top of the silo.

For narrow, top fill silos, avoid installing point level devices on the side of the vessel. In this situation, bridging can occur. Bridging is when material gets stuck at a certain point and is unable to flow. Material can bridge between the device and the side of the vessel. This may cause the point level device to state that the vessel is full when, it’s not. If you are working with longer probes, avoid installing them on the side of the vessel. If you must place the device on the side, rather than the top, try turning the end of the probe down.

You may also consider installing point level devices between the center and edge of the top of the vessel due to the materials fill stream. Fill stream is the flow of material from outside to inside the vessel as it is being filled. You can fill silos from the top or side, depending on its design. Always install point level devices on the opposite side as the fill stream. This is important so material does not hit the device as it is poured in, causing a deceiving measurement.

Bolt-On Application

Bolt-On technology is ideal for providing material weight in existing large bulk storage vessels. It provides a cost-effective alternative to obtain the material weight in the vessel compared to the retrofit cost of installing load cells. Load cells offer high system accuracy compared to Bolt-On systems. Bolt-On sensors are mounted to the existing vessel support structure while load cells require an empty vessel for installation. Level technology is commonly looked at as the alternative to load cells for bulk inventory when the tanks are already installed. Bolt-On sensors convert the level of the material to volume and then to weight, based on the material’s density.

The success of a Bolt-On system depends on factors such as vessel capacity, structure, minimal or loose attachments and an understanding by the user of how the system performs. It all starts with the vessel usage. Bolt-On is designed primarily for large bulk vessels that are used to store raw material or for load out.

Vessel Capacity

These vessels range in capacities of 100,000 pounds and up. Smaller vessels are better suited for the retrofit of load cells more so than larger capacity vessels. If high accuracy is not desired, there are techniques that can be applied to minimize cost.

Structure

Another factor involving a successful installation is a sound symmetrical support structure. Loading will be consistent as the vessel rocks and shifts if the support members are identical in size and configuration. If the foundation sags, the vessel attachments can affect the readings more, showing up as measurement errors.

Attachments

There will always be attachments on the vessel. In general, the more freedom the vessel has, the better the system accuracy. However, materials do have to be moved in and out of the vessel, which requires attachments. Catwalks and support ladders can share load changes between vessels. They also shift the weight of the vessel to its foundation, causing the material weight to bypass the Bolt-On sensors. Typically, these connections can be loosened to provide additional flex under changing loading conditions.

System Performance

It appears that the hardest part about a Bolt- On application is communicating the performance of the system to users. The accuracy is estimated based on the full- scale psi loading of the structure. Accuracy includes the non- linearity and hysteresis normally associated with a load cell weighing system. It also includes the effects of temperature on steel, which makes the sensor believe there has been a change in vessel weight. Temperature affects are usually the greatest error on the system and are the most visible to the operator.

Accuracy is always stated as an actual +/- weight value of the full-scale load of the vessel. For example, a 100,000 pounds vessel with +/- 3% is stated to 100,000 pounds +/- 3000 pounds. If the user moves 500 pounds of material, the accuracy is still applied to the full-scale value, or +/- 3000 pounds, not 3% of 500 pounds. In certain applications such as a clam-shell truck load out which occurs in minutes, the material transfer can move faster than the thermal induced errors. Therefore, the load out performance is typically much better than the inventory accuracy. If material is augured out or pneumatically conveyed over hours, thermal changes will play a part in affecting the system accuracy.

Most likely, preventative maintenance is not a new concept for most people. Many things in our lives need a preventative maintenance routine. For example, vehicles, heating and air conditioning systems, and even the human body! Utility trailers also need preventative maintenance on a regular basis.

Utility trailers can be very diverse in size, features, and applications. Some trailers are for recreation and some for business. You understand the need for reliability, safety and minimal repairs if you are in a business that depends on trailers. Hubodometers are key in knowing when a utility trailer is due for routine preventative maintenance.

A hubodometer is a device that mounts to the axle of the trailer and measures distance traveled. Each rotation of the wheel counts towards the total trip measurement. It records every revolution in either direction. The hubodometer helps and maintenance service providers keep an accurate schedule.

The hubodometer is designed with a counterbalance to prevent orbiting. Without this feature, the hubodometer can stop measurement or undercount the distance. Counterbalance ensures accurate counts at high speeds or on rough terrain. Hubodometers allow the operator/owner to replace bloated inventory with one standard unit for all tire sizes. They attach to any vehicle with any tire size, with no electronics and is simple to use.

Digital electronic circuitry allows rapid and easy configuration anywhere. There is no need for a specialized programming instrument. It’s large, high-contrast display always remains in an upright position. This provides easy, reliable and accurate data. Separate trip and lifetime totals permit specialized record keeping methods. Setup features even include capturing data as miles or kilometers. Most hubodometers come with a 5-year warranty and no mileage limitations.

Some security features include serial number viewing via the display as well as tamperproof setup scheme. There is usually only one moving part for increased reliability. Changes to the unit’s setup can be disabled to prevent tampering.

Preventative maintenance will become a routine task when you install hubodometers to your utility trailer. Among other benefits, preventative maintenance ensures security and reliability in the trailers operation. Along with lower costs in the long run by avoiding major repairs.

We want to help you understand what to look for in an infrared sensor so that you get the most out of it. Infrared sensors are used in proximity and position sensors. Infrared is an ideal choice for high temperature environments. Trigger points of up to or over 800⁰C are common in some applications. Infrared sensing technology is ideally suited for continuous casting processes, hot media mold filling and level sensing, high and low limit level controls, and measure/cutoff of hot cast or rolled materials. You should choose your specific sensor based on several important criteria such as sensing range, environment, location, and type of output.

The sensing range is a critical element in the selection process, and is generally dictated by the size, shape, speed, proximity, and of course the temperature of the item, media, or process to be detected. The range is determined by the viewing angle of the sensing gap as well as the actual sensing distance. Additionally, the proximity of the sensing head to the detected material must be considered, for protection from exposure to higher than compatible ambient temperatures.

Infrared sensors are available as self-contained assemblies that holds the sensing lens/aperture, the control module, and special high temperature wiring. Self-contained infrared sensors are available with special jackets or enclosures that allow connection of compressed air or cooling water to ensure long life in severe environments.

A remote sensing lens assembly and control module that is installed in a safe location should be used in application with excessive heat. Infrared sensors for applications such as this are available as a dual component system, made up of an infrared sensing head and a separate control module that relates to a fiber optic cable. This arrangement keeps the very rugged infrared sensing head close to the working environment for maximum sensing ability and the control module a safe distance away.

The type of output provided by the infrared sensor must also be considered. They are generally used as an input to a larger process control system. Infrared sensors are available to operate at various AC and DC voltage ranges, and provide corresponding voltage or current outputs.

The unique capabilities of infrared sensors make them an essential component of complex processes often found in steel mills, bottling plants, glass industries, die casting, spin casting, and other industries that use high temperature processes from raw materials to finished goods.

A solenoid is an electromechanical device that uses electrical energy applied to an electromagnetic coil to produce mechanical motion. The device is used to push or pull in order to actuate or de- actuate a mechanism, allowing it’s intended function to be performed.

There are several types of solenoids available. The linear solenoid, most common, can be designed with a push or pull stroke. The rotary solenoid is another type, but is more complex in design.

The pull type solenoid operates by energizing a coil by passing current through it. That current pulls the solenoid plunger into the coil. Very similar to pull type, the push type solenoid transmits the useable force by a push rod which extends through and is free to move through the solenoid stop.

Identifying material levels and part indexing are two key components of ensuring plant operations run smoothly. Loss of signal or movement can shut down an otherwise seamless operation. Your solenoid is essential. Solenoids provide reliable indication on vital plant equipment, where failure costs you money.

A solenoid can be used in many of different industries. This device is used from vending machines to industrial presses, even including the simplest form which is door chimes… so don’t leave home without it.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the overall costs associated with ownership of a product. When making a purchasing decision, buyers should look not just at an item's short-term price (purchase price), but also at its long-term price (total cost of ownership). The total cost of ownership comes from first, identifying all the different costs that contribute to the total, then analyzing and combining the costs. The item with the lower TCO will be the better value in the long run.

Let's explore some different factors you may want to consider when purchasing a vacuum contactor.

1. Initial Price

   The initial price is what the contactor costs at time of purchasing. A product’s initial price will be higher or lower than comparable products, greatly impacting the TCO.

2. 5-Year View

   Evaluating the impact that the vacuum contactor will make in your application over the next five years will provide a good sense of the value that should be placed on this product.

3. Maintenance

   Maintenance for the vacuum contactor is very minimal. Considering life span, the need for personnel and a preventative maintenance process, repairs, and any extra materials will give you an idea of what it will take to maintain the vacuum contactor.

4. Operating Expense

   The operating costs of a vacuum contactor should be based on coil voltage used at KWh prices.

5. Downtime Costs

   Regular maintenance and repairs requires regular downtime, resulting in less production and profit. This is an important factor to consider when comparing vacuum contactors. If the product requires an excessive amount of downtime, then the TCO may be higher and the value lower.

6. Maintenance and Support Costs

   Costs that some may not initially take into account are those associated with maintenance and support of a vacuum contactor. As mentioned above, different aspects of maintaining a contactor can bring on extra costs when considering the overall value.

7. Company Brand Recognition

Lastly, consider the brand that manufactures the vacuum contactors that you are comparing. Whether the brand is recognized in a positive or negative light can impact the overall value of the product itself.

We receive many questions about our Thomson Engineered Polymers (TEP). The beauty of this material is that it eliminates the need for grease or a secondary oiling process. TEP’s are a resin impregnated by lubrication. The material used in nyliners is as important as the design itself. Our TEP’s are tough, resilient, water-resistant plastics. They provide customers with low coefficient of friction without secondary lubrication. TEP's perform in rotational speed applications. The shaft or pivot linkage creates low friction and heat which enables tiny chambers of lubrication to burst. This enables the built-in lubrication to flow within the material. Thomson offers superior performance advantages including:

• Low Cost

• Long Service Life / Low Maintenance

• Low Friction / High Performance

• No Lubrication Needed

• Smooth, Quiet Operation

• Hundreds of Materials to Meet Your Requirements

Eagle Signal manufactures electronic timer, electromechanical timer, and other devices. Within the electromechanical family is the HQ4 series of percentage timers. Percentage timers are a type of repeat cycle device that are compact and long-lasting. The HQ4 series is a unique timer that can function as an on delay, off delay, interval timer or repeat cycle device.

Eagle Signal offers this accurate, economical, enclosed timer for a wide range of applications. Specifically, those where repetitive ON times of a fixed cycle requires adjustability. This series is a panel mounted unit with an exposed dial. The load relays' seal protects against the environment. The HQ4 proves to be durable in industries such as chemical, feeding, irrigation controls, electric heaters and motor controls.

Recently, Eagle Signal developed an improved version of the HQ4 Series called the Cycl-Time® or CT4 Series. The CT4 offers improved features including resolution, potentiometer, ease of setting, torque, safety, sealings and wiring. Also, the Cycl-Time®’s resolution is more defined. For example, the colors of the face plate offer more contrast for reading the time settings. With 100 ticks around the dial rather than 50, the CT4's percentage options are more precise than the HQ4. The torque of the Cycl-Time® dial is more resistant to change than before. Once the timer is set, it will not rotate any further without intentional force from the user. These features combine to make the timer more accurate and easier to set.

Safety is always the greatest concern when designing any product. The Cycl-Time® has a plastic guard over the terminal block to protect the user’s fingers from exposure to contactors. This percentage timer is ideal for applications environmental factors would usually cause concern. These features provide a longer lasting product and additional safety.

The wiring and electrical connections of the HQ4 was also updated for the CT4. It now has four electrical connections, rather than seven, all in a straight line on the back of the body of the timer. As mentioned before, this timer is made to panel mounted.

Eagle Signal continues to design the most accurate, economical, and reliable products in the industry. The HQ4 and Cycl-Time® Series are both exceptional devices fit for their specific applications. Cycl-Time® proves to be a respectable replacement option to the HQ4 Series.

It’s no secret that mining companies operate in one of the harshest, most unforgiving environments on Earth. Conditions are humid and dirty, space is tight, production quotas must be met and equipment is put to the test every hour of every shift. If that’s not enough to worry about, the atmosphere can be explosive, literally. Using the right equipment makes all the difference in getting the job done in an underground mine. Vacuum contactors are used by companies worldwide in not just coal mines, but in mining operations for precious metals and other materials.

In an underground mine, space is very limited. Parts and machinery that are compact in size have an advantage over those that are larger. Vacuum contactors have a few features that deems them better suited for applications such as underground mining. For instance, vacuum contactors are more compact that air- break. Vacuum contactors are also fully phase insulated, offering greater safety benefits than traditional air- break systems. Versatility is also an important feature to have in confined spaces such as mining. Vacuum contactors are made with the capability to be mounted in any plane and quieter than air break contacts. In addition, vacuum contactors offer reduced maintenance, less machine downtime, not to mention the intangible benefits, such as greater safety.

In recent years, more and more mining equipment manufacturers have started using Joslyn Clark vacuum contactors in their OEM designs. Specifically, at the request of their mining customers, who have heard about or experienced firsthand the many benefits of vacuum contactors. For mining companies, the Joslyn Clark vacuum contactor’s compact design provides great flexibility for retrofitting to all existing air break contactors, thus enabling an existing application to continue with maintenance cost and downtime eliminated.

Have you ever thought twice about saving sensitive documents to your desktop at work? Most of us have because of the risk of power outages, shortages, or any other type of disturbance that may destroy or cause severe damage to the computer. Thankfully, technology advances have provided power quality solutions such as Superior Electric’s STABILINE®. This regulator maintains constant voltage to your equipment, even when the input voltage and system load vary widely.

Simply put, STABILINE® provides a method to stabilize line voltage fluctuations. There are several reasons that line voltage may vary, including poor utility line conditions, load induced line drop, ever changing load power requirements. One of the most common signs that the line voltage is fluctuating due to these factors is light flickering or dimming but it can also cause electric shock in severe cases.

At a great attempt to avoid any damage, harm, or inconveniences that can originate from line voltage fluctuations, Superior Electric designed the STABILINE® voltage regulator which is now the leader in power quality solutions. The STABILINE® is usually installed between the power source and load. A base model WHR will maintain a constant voltage to the load, protect sensitive loads from sags/surges and balance phase voltages. Therefore, electronics, vehicles, computers, battery charging systems and any other sensitive electronic device that needs stable input voltage is a lot safer when accompanied by the STABILINE® voltage regulator.

Without the STABILINE®, electronics are at critical risk of power disturbances. There are several types of power disturbance but they all lead to unsafe and sometimes expensive situations in the long run. One type of disturbance is called a power surge and is generated when large electrical loads are shut off. Another type is called impulse and has short duration, high amplitude voltage pulses on the power line caused by utility switching, static electricity and switching electrical devices on or off. There is also a power disturbance called a sag that is produced by starting electric motors, ground faults and undersized power systems. Possibly the worst of all the different types of power disturbances that can be a result of not installing a voltage regulator is complete power failure.

As technology advances, even the most tried and true products tend to get modified and updated to keep up with the latest knowledge and industry standards. Every day, manufacturers find ways to make products smarter, more economical and more earth- friendly while keeping the durability and integrity of the product. Today’s polymer bearings are no different and, among other technological advances, are transitioning from metal to plastic materials. New technology and diversity in the chemical makeup of plastics allow more customizable options compared to metal parts in the same application. Benefits of converting heavy, noisy metal bearings to a self- lubricating plastic bushing include less maintenance, less costs, less mess and less friction.

Plastic bushings can stand up to almost any application and have a high level of resistance to minerals and chemicals. The level of resistance that plastic resin can withstand allows it to have a longer life and helps make it superior to metal in corrosive environments. The plastic parts require less maintenance and last much longer because they are durable and non-corrosive in most situations. Plastic bearings can be used in wash-down applications, salt water and harsh chemicals without compromising performance. Water can even be considered as a lubricant for plastic bearings. The same liquids and minerals would be detrimental to metal parts. Where every minute counts, less maintenance means less downtime for the end user.

Plastic can withstand high abrasive application and high friction while being considerably less costly than other materials such as metal. Plastic is also lighter, so surrounding infrastructure can be lighter. Other factors such as less scrap, secondary machining and decorating also play into the cost savings that accompany the metal to plastic conversion. Once the design team can use a specific color resin in the injection molding process and completely avoid the time and costs that is involved with painting metal. Production consistency is much greater with plastic resin than metal parts. Upon completing the production process, manufacturers notice a reduction in shipping and operating costs with plastics because of the significant drop in weight compared to the metal alternative.

Plastic, self-lubricating bushings keep the lubricant contained and less susceptible to elements such ash and dirt. When these elements do encounter the lubrication, it can cause moving parts to malfunction and therefore requires more maintenance and upkeep. Plastic parts are easier to clean and can be made with certain properties that make the material resistant to bacteria. With less mess to deal with, maintenance is also decreased while safety is increased exponentially.

Plastic bushings tend to maintain a lower consistent coefficient of friction (COF) than metal parts, which can become scratched and increase the COF. The smooth design of plastic bushings allows for lower resistance to sliding motion consistently over the lifetime of the bearing.

Making the switch from metal to plastic bushings is the solution to issues in maintenance, costs, mess and friction that you have been facing. It is certainly an upgrade you will not soon regret. You can learn more about Thomson’s plastic bearings at the link below.

Limit switches are used to convert a mechanical motion into an electrical control signal. The electrical signal activates when a cam engages the limit switch lever or plunger which makes or breaks an electrical contact inside the switch. This electrical control signal is then used to limit position or reverse the machine travel, or to initiate another operating sequence. It can also be used for counting, sorting or as a safety device. 

Typical limit switch applications are in the control circuits of solenoids, control relays and motor starters which control the motion of machine tools, conveyors, hoists, elevators and practically every type of motor driven machine. 

Experience has shown that most limit switch failures are the fault of the installation. In some cases, an installation that is not perfect cannot be avoided, but most cases prove that proper application of the limit switch would have prevented failure.

Selection of the proper electro-mechanical limit switch for an application generally breaks down into two major decisions, choosing the proper actuator (lever) and choosing the proper enclosure. There are other considerations, such as what operating sequences are available, temperature rating and electrical rating. 

Before selecting a limit switch, these 6 factors should be considered:
1. What is the voltage and current that will be switched?
2. How many contacts are necessary? Are the contacts: Normally Open? Normally closed?

3. What is the environment like? Relatively clean? Dusty, dirty, smoky, wet, hot, cold, etc.?
4. How close can you get to the target?
5. Where should the limit switch be mounted?
6. What is best way to activate the switch? Lever type? Plunger type? Cat whisker? Other?

There are several general categories or classifications of limit switches on the market, the most common are electro-mechanical switches, non-contact proximity switches and photoelectric switches. The electro-mechanical limit switch should be the first choice because it is suitable for most applications and is generally the most economic to use.