Plant Services - May 2008 - (Page 18) UP AND RUNNING Amorphous transformers certified to save P rolec GE’s amorphous metal distribution transformers (AMDT) have been ecomagination certified by GE based on their ability to improve the efficiency of electrical power distribution. The transformers exceed the U.S. Department of Energy’s minimum efficiency standards two years before they take effect in 2010. These energy savings are realized because amorphous metal, during its formation process, adopts a random structure (similar to glass) enabling lower losses in the transformer core. Widespread adoption of these transformers could have a substantial impact on the environment. In the United States and Mexico, electric utilities and end users install more than 1 million distribution transformers each year. If all of these distribution transformers used GE’s amorphous metal core technology rather than high-efficiency silicon steel, the annual electricity savings would be about 750 million kWh, which is equal to the amount of electricity used by more than 800,000 average U.S. households annually. “This allows existing power distribution networks to increase their capacity while minimizing their environmental impact,” says Bob Gilligan, general manager of GE Energy’s transmission and distribution business. The transformers also provide cost savings to utilities over their lifetime. A typical electric utility serving half a million customers installs 4,000 distribution transformers. This typical utility could realize an equivalent first cost savings of more than $800,000 by choosing the amorphous metal core technology over high-efficiency silicon steel. AWS Foundation funded to find more welders Resources Pocket-sized loop tuning guide Version 3 of ControlSoft Inc.’s small but mighty “PID Loop Tuning Tips Pocket Guide” is designed to give engineers a concise guide to tuning PID loops. The new version includes an expanded reference section on common controllers. The 12-page guide can easily fit into a jacket or jeans pocket for handy on-the-job access. Download a free copy at www.controlsoftinc.com. T he American Welding Society (AWS) announced that The Lincoln Electric Co. will donate $300,000 to the AWS Foundation to help relieve a nationwide shortage of welders. In association with this donation, Lincoln and the AWS Foundation will collaborate on new marketing initiatives to promote welding careers and help bolster the ranks of welders. According to AWS, the average age of a welder is in the mid-50s. Fewer graduates entering the profession, coupled with the continuing retirement of experienced welders, has led to a shortage of skilled welders that could weaken the U.S. manufacturing sector and overall economy. Lincoln will donate the funds over a two-year period beginning in 2008. Lincoln will also partner with AWS to produce a promotional welding career video to be used online, in classrooms and throughout industry. The video will feature several well-known personalities who have sponsorship agreements with Lincoln. The donation also will support the AWS Foundation’s Welder Workforce Development Program, launched in 2006 to address the critical need for recruitment and specialized training of entry-level welders while supporting industry workforce needs. Free air system training CD This training tool details common maintenance functions for rotary screw compressors, refrigerated and desiccant dryers, and filters and drains. Intended both for end users and service technicians, its interactive nature is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. Using instructional video, voice-over and graphics, it is also enhanced by helpful Web site links for many accessory products and other information. Reflecting the company’s commitment to education and training in compressed-air technology, the CD is available free of charge in English or Spanish. Call your local authorized Kaeser distributor at (800) 777-7873, or visit www.kaeser.com. Calculate bearing isolator ROI The Return on Investment Calculation Worksheet (ROI/WS) is an Excel spreadsheet module that allows users of pumps and motors to calculate bearing isolator ROI based on current repair costs and the effect of doubling the reliability of their rotating equipment. Plug in the number of pumps and motors in operation, bearing isolator per-unit costs, and the average mean time between failures (MTBF). The worksheet then calculates actual costs conservatively based on more than 30 years of experience on similar equipment. It also provides information such as accumulated savings, ROI, total investment, net return, data for life cycle costing and more. Find it at www.inpro-seal.com or call Inpro/Seal Co. at (800) 447-0524. 18 www.PLANTSERVICES.com May 2008 http://www.controlsoftinc.com http://www.kaeser.com http://www.inpro-seal.com http://www.PLANTSERVICES.com
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