O&M

Equipment Showcase: Tools and Operational Supplies

The proper tools and operational supplies are important for the efficient operation of power plants and other industrial facilities. Such facilities each have their own combination of operations that need to work together continuously at maximum efficiency. Power plants in particular feature multiple pieces of complex machinery, utilizing products that enable protocols to keep workers safe, and others that help keep the facility clean. Some of leading manufacturers and service companies for tools and operational supplies for the power generation industry are featured here.

Lightweight Torque Wrenches Allow Safer Bolting at Height

1. Enerpac DSX3000 model with 3,233 ft-lb torque and constant torque output accuracy of +/– 3%. Courtesy: Enerpac

Carrying out bolting operations at height runs the risk of danger to those working below. The Enerpac DSX-series aluminum square-drive torque wrenches (Figure 1) round out the Enerpac portfolio with a safe, easy-to-use tool designed for medium-duty use when working at height. The five models in the series feature a built-in connection point to safely tether the tool to a work belt or bag. A standard ergonomic safety handle also helps to prevent injuries or near misses from loss of tool. When it comes to operator protection, a fully enclosed drive prevents operator contact with moving parts. Made with a high-strength aluminum body, the Enerpac DSX-series torque wrenches are lightweight, which is important when working at height. Another feature that makes the tool simple to use is a multi-direction 360-degree x 180-degree high-flow aluminum swivel that helps prevent twisted and tangled hydraulic hoses. To help make operators more efficient, the wrenches feature a fine-tooth ratchet that prevents the tool from locking on, a 35-degree rotation angle that assists with repetitive bolt tightening tasks, and a retained push-button quick release. Enerpac, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

enerpac.com

StaCool Vest Keeps Workers Cool and Productive Despite Summer Heat

2. The StaCool vest provides core body cooling without freezing. A thermal barrier is built in to ensure the wearer does not get too cold. Models can be worn under clothing or as an over-vest. Courtesy: StaCool Industries

StaCool Industries has launched the StaCool vest core body cooling system (Figure 2), which keeps users cool, comfortable, and productive while working in the summer heat, without compromising mobility. Maintaining a consistent core body temperature is safer than exposing workers to possible heat-related illnesses, and because wearers do not require cooling breaks, they are considerably more productive. Each vest is made from breathable Airprene material for comfort and flexibility, and includes ThermoPak inserts that comfortably cool the body core. The lightweight cooling vest provides up to three hours of cooling per ThermoPak set (four per set), depending on activity type, environmental conditions, and body heat. Each StaCool vest includes an additional four ThermoPaks, so users have a spare set to extend cooling time. StaCool vests are ideal for welders and other industrial/manufacturing workers. StaCool Industries, Homosassa, Florida

stacoolvest.com

Temperature Monitors Help Keep Workers Safe

3. The Force 5 view monitor allows for automation of worker screenings to identify employees with elevated body temperatures. Courtesy: Force 5 Inc.

A large number of utility workers have been maintaining a home office during the COVID-19 pandemic, while others have been sheltering at power plants as workhour regulations have changed due to the coronavirus. Force 5, a risk management firm, has taken a unique approach to keeping staff healthy during the pandemic. Force 5 has issued kiosks with view monitors (Figure 3) to users’ workstations, asking workers health-screening questions before entering critical areas or even interacting with critical personnel. James Evelyn, vice president of Compliance Solutions for Force 5, said of the company’s equipment: “These cameras use infrared thermal imaging and will integrate with Force 5’s kiosks to automate virus screenings and to prevent entrance for anyone whose body temperature is elevated and outside of the specified temperature range.” Force 5’s integration laser thermometer checks staff’s temperature through a digital infrared/non-contact thermometer that integrates with their kiosk to automatically reject someone entering the facility if the provider sets it up in that way. This software was implemented to make sure critical infrastructures inside and outside are protected. Force 5 Inc., Miami, Florida

force5.com

Line-Interactive UPS Delivers Industrial-Size Protection in Compact Form

4. Space is often at a premium in control cabinets, so installers will appreciate the SolaHD SSW’s small footprint and minimal depth. Courtesy: Emerson

As part of its strategy to ensure customers total protection from unexpected power disruptions, Emerson has introduced the SolaHD SSW Mini-Tower Line-Interactive UPS (uninterruptible power system, Figure 4). Available in capacities from 700 volt-amps (VA) to 1,440 VA, the SolaHD SSW represents a highly economical choice for preventing costly damage to information technology and automation equipment from electrical surges, spikes, lightning strikes, and blackouts that occur in industrial settings. Balancing affordability and performance, the SolaHD SSW ensures optimum waveform for equipment stability and longevity with its battery sinewave output. It also provides the benefits of automatic voltage regulation (AVR) topology that adjusts high and low voltages to a safe level, providing sensitive electronics with reliable power while preserving the life of the UPS battery. Emerson, Rosemont, Illinois

emerson.com

Adapter Provides Solution for Network Connections

5. The T910 Modbus to WirelessHART adapter provides performance and support for connecting Modbus devices to WirelessHART networks. Courtesy: Fieldbus International

Fieldbus International (FINT) has launched an easy-to-use, straightforward solution for connecting Modbus RTU devices to a wireless network. FINT has launched its new DIN rail-mounted WirelessHART adapter with Modbus RTU interface, model T910 (Figure 5). Together with its embedded version of the adapter, model T810, which is tailored for battery operation, these advanced FINT products provide unmatched performance and support for connecting Modbus devices to WirelessHART networks. The user simply specifies up to eight variables (floating-point or interger), the status signals, the tag name, and WirelessHART network join credentials (network identification and join key). When the device is installed and powered up, it automatically scans for and joins the WirelessHART network, and then starts communicating, providing a “plug-and-play” solution to the end-user for what is potentially a complex problem. Fieldbus International, Oslo, Norway

fint.no

New Handheld Rotating-Machine Tester Is a Versatile Tool

6. The MTR105 is a static motor tester with insulation resistance tests and all the traditional features of Megger’s testers. Courtesy: Megger

The MTR105 is a dedicated static motor tester with Megger’s tried and trusted suite of insulation resistance (IR) tests, plus all the great traditional features and reliability of Megger’s testers. The MTR105 takes the test abilities of Megger’s proven IR test instruments, and adds the digital low-resistance ohmmeter (DLRO) four-wire Kelvin low-resistance, inductance, and capacitance tests to provide a versatile motor tester, all packaged in a robust handheld instrument, which up to now has simply not been available. Additionally the MTR105 incorporates temperature measurement and compensation (for IR tests), motor direction of rotation, plus supply phase rotation tests. These new test abilities make the MTR105 a real-world, versatile, handheld motor test instrument. Megger, Dover, UK

megger.com

Dropsafe Expands Barrier Range to Tackle Drops in All Conditions

7. The Dropsafe barrier line includes products rated for extreme and moderate environments. Courtesy: Dropsafe

Dropsafe recently announced it is expanding its barrier range (Figure 7) to meet industry demand for robust drops prevention solutions across all environments, including for power generators. As new facilities come into operation in different regions, there has been growing recognition that the risks of drops must be tackled, but also that drops prevention solutions that suit an operation in one region may not be suitable in another. The Dropsafe Barrier XE (extreme environment) is rated for harsh offshore conditions, very high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, and extremely cold weather. The Barrier XE is ideally suited to operations in northern latitudes such as Russia, Alaska, or Canada. The Dropsafe Barrier ME (moderate environment) is able to withstand the same impacts and wind loading as the XE. It is tailored for temperate offshore and onshore environments where high levels of UV and temperatures below –5C are not a factor. This includes power stations, refineries, mines, and offshore rigs outside of extreme cold regions. The two barrier variants both provide superior standards of drops prevention, with extra flexibility to withstand Cat 3 or Cat 5 wind speeds depending on the option chosen during the installation process. Dropsafe, Hong Kong, China

dropsafe.com

Dinkle Releases Plug-In Easy-Test Terminal Blocks

8. The Dinkle International DPT DIN rail disconnect terminal block provides an efficient, safe disconnect and testing of current transformer and voltage transformer circuits. Courtesy: Dinkle International

Dinkle International recently announced the availability of its DPT DIN rail disconnect terminal blocks (Figure 8) to provide efficient, safe disconnect and testing of current transformer (CT) and voltage transformer (VT) circuits. CTs and VTs isolate a primary power feed from a secondary circuit, permit grounding of the secondary circuit, and step down the current or voltage to an appropriate level for measurement. Terminal blocks are then used as the termination points for instrument loops on the secondary circuit. Panel builders have traditionally incorporated barrier-type terminal blocks in CT circuits—but these are challenging to access, require proper tools, and take time for backplane mounting and screw-down wire terminations. Additionally, there is always the danger of under-torqueing and loose wiring connections, or over-torqueing and stripped screw threads. Dinkle’s DPT DIN rail series terminal blocks address these issues by providing easier access, DIN rail mounting with no tools required, and push-in design to ensure secure wiring connection while reducing time and tools required for termination. The DPTD6 model block also provides direct-testing technology, enabling a user to test the circuit current without undoing any wired connections. Dinkle International, Taipei, Taiwan

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