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A/C System Component and Process Analysis

 

               

 

The purpose of the evaluation was to verify the effectiveness of using evacuation in processing AC systems for air removal, assembly and system integrity.

 

Test Procedure

 

The system was evaluated under three different conditions.  The first evaluation was an evacuation cycle of 15 minutes and two minutes rate of rise with no leak induced in the system.

The second evaluation was an evacuation cycle of 15 minutes and two minutes rate of rise with a leak induced on the low side connection between the expansion valve and the evaporator.  The fitting was finger tight to simulate an assembly error.  Nitrogen at 80 PSIG was admitted into the system at the end of cycle to determine if a pressure decay test would detect the leak.

The third evaluation was an evacuation cycle of 15 minutes and two minutes rate of rise with a leak induced at the condenser outlet.  The o-ring was removed from the condenser outlet tube.  The tube was tightened using an open end box wrench.  Nitrogen at 80 PSIG was admitted into the system at the end of cycle to determine if a pressure decay test would detect the leak.

 


PCU Coupler & Fill Adaptor Solutions

Recognized for Quality and Performance

Production Control Units remains a leader in the design, build, test, and service of patented high flow rate couplers and fill adaptors.  With an array of quick connect, power coupler, and specialty fill adaptor solutions, PCU products have found their way onto many industry leading OEM’s assembly line process equipment and test systems.  It is not uncommon to find a PCU branded coupler product integrated with Serv-I-Quip, ECI, A’Gramkow, or Galileo AC Charge equipment, or a PCU Fill Adaptor integrated with Dominion, Cinetic, or Durr Radiator, Power Steering or Brake Fluid Fill system.  This is not by chance, customers often specify PCU products for the quality and reliability, and competitors promote the added value.  Team PCU is proud of its line of couplers and fill adaptors that all customers have come to recognize and expect.


 PCU's Million-Dollar Investment

 

  

PCU is unique with its commitment to carry a $1,000,000 inventory of replacement parts, couplers, fill adaptors and building material. PCU is proud of the fact that it has supplied more than 10,000 projects of new or modified equipment throughout 50 countries over the past 64 years. Customers can call PCU with the confidence of receiving one-on-one personal service with stock items available for immediate shipment. Being responsible for maintaining equipment dedicated to a specific purpose, PCU understands the challenge customers can face when sourcing replacement parts that are required only occasionally. With parts available to maintain PCU's oldest equipment in service for over 49 years, customer peace of mind is PCU's measure of success. Knowledge of the equipment, as well as the application provides reason enough for cutomers to trust PCU with readily identifying the correct replacement part to keep their equipment running.
 


 

 EPA New Emission Standards

 Impact Diesel Vehicles

The Tier 4 Emission Standards have a big impact on diesel vehicle manufactures in 2010. On May 11, 2004, the EPA signed the final rule introducing Tier 4 emission standards, which are to be phased-in over the period of 2008-2015. The Tier 4 standards require that emissions of PM and NOx be further reduced by about 90%. Such emission reductions can be achieved through the use of control technologies.

To meet these emission standards vehicle manufacturers with diesel engines are incorporating Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) technologies into their products to meet the reduced PM and NOx. The SCR technology uses the advanced exhaust gas after treatment known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Diesel Exhaust Fluid is composed of 67.5% Water and 32.5% Urea. This fluid is burned in the exhaust stream to reduce the NOx emitted by the vehicle. All commercial vehicles with diesel engines will require DEF for proper engine operation.


 

 PCU Receives Latest

 ISO Certifications 

January 2010: PCU successfully recertifies its Environmental Management System to the ISO14001:2004 standard and remains committed to the prevention of pollution as well as complies with relevant environmental legislation and regulations. PCU remains committed to protecting and supporting the environment, and assuring a safe and healthy working environment for all of its employees and visitors.

October 2009: PCU successfully recertifies its Quality Management System to ISO 9001:2008, the latest version of ISO9001. PCUimprovement, and remains dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services that meet customer

Safety: PCU supports an active Safety program with the objective of heightening the awareness of maintaining the facility in the safest manner for all employees; administer all safety-related activities; ensure all legal requirements regarding employee safety are met; and provide advice and council to management regarding all safety issues and concerns. The programs success has resulted in over 1300 days without a lost time accident. 2010 will bring the certification of PCU's Safety Management System to OHSAS 18001:2007 Standard. 


  

 NEW

 Schrader

 Quick Connect Coupler

Once again PCU has identified a customer need in the marketplace and reacted; a quick connect Schrader coupler. After numerous customer visits and conversations a recurring theme appeared: customers were dissatisfied with current Schrader couplers. A quick connect coupler that was easy to use and aggravation-free was wanted. PCU listened and responded with a new type of Schrader coupler. This design allows quick and easy connection and disconnection to Schrader valves, saving time and avoiding possible repetitive motion issues. To date, the feedback has been very positive as PCU has added this product to our extensive coupler line.


  

 PCU Certified to Inspect Heat-treated

 Wood Packaging Material

Timber Products Inspection, Inc. granted PCU Mill # 2592 for The Timber Products Inspection's Heat Treatment (HT) Program which is accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee, Inc. (ALSC). PCU is in compliance with the International Plant Protection Committee's ISPM 15 guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade allowing PCU to inspect and certify heat treated wood packaging material for any shipper. Maintaining this certification requires PCU to 1) Maintain complete and up to date Heat Treatment records; 2) Produce and market quality products, which conform to HT standards; and 3) Apply the Timber Products Inspection (TP) mark only to products which have been proven through applicable monitoring.


  

 NEWS RELEASE

 Mexico and South American Sales & Support Coverage

PCU is pleased to announce that Jose Antonio Gonzalez Esparza has been retained to provide Technical Sales, Project Management, and Service support throughout Mexico and South America. A resident of Mexico City, Jose currently works with Teme Engineering LTD/Merilab in a similar capacity and brings over 30 years of experience supporting a broad range of automotive and industrial based customers.

With more companies setting up manufacturing and production operations in Mexico and other parts of South America, access to local representation and technical support is becoming a deciding factor. The addition of Jose to Team PCU is another step PCU is taking to further support existing customers as well as a commitment to develop new customers in an important market.


  

 NEWS RELEASE

 PCU Named 2009-Platium Level Fit-Friendly Company by

 The American Heart Association

 

Production Control Units, Inc. (PCU) appeared in the September 28, 2009 issue of Fortune Magazine for being one of the 170 companies in the United States to achieve the Platinum Level Designation as a 2009 Fit-Friendly Company by The American Heart Association. PCU has been designated as a Gold Level company since 2007.

PCU management believes its Fit-Friendly program not only improves the lifestyles of its employees and families but also lowers health cost and keeps our products competitive. Our program includes Fitness Club Reimbursement, flu shots to employees and families, in-house screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, PSA, body mass testing and offers healthy snacks. Our in-house library has Health and Fitness magazines, cookbooks including the American Heart Association Cookbook, exercise videos and self-help books on many disease prevention techniques. PCU is committed to this program and is proud of this honor and thanks the American Heart Association for the recognition.


  

The President's Corner

"Feeling The Pressure"

Thomas H. Hoge,

President, April 1, 2009

Team PCU continues to grind out another chapter in its storied history, and what a chapter 2009 is turning out to be. Considering the massive structural changes occurring in the bellwether NA automotive industry, in combination with the extended economic turmoil caused by the banking crisis and declining housing prices, it’s a wonder that anything is getting done! For those people familiar with Team PCU, and following the organizations collective efforts to transform the business from a good company, to a great company, will surmise that the current market realities are simply another stepping stone in PCU’s continued evolution. No company reaches sixty plus years of successful existence by stubbornly holding onto yesterday.

Recall how the message from Jim Collins book “Good to Great” re-affirmed Team PCU’s Philosophy of “Excellence Through People”, with the underlying message from the empirical data still ringing true; There is no silver bullet, major event, or magic formula that results in greatness. Sustained hard work, commitment to delivering “Quality Excellence”, discipline, and measurable improvements remains the fuel that powers organizational transformations. “When you have disciplined people, you don’t need hierarchy. When you have disciplined thought, you don’t need bureaucracy. When you have disciplined action, you don’t need excessive controls.” The common denominator and glue to this statement facilitates decision making being pushed further down in the organization, trust between departments growing, and the ability to respond quickly to market changes a way of life.

 

It has already been communicated how first quarter 2009 order intake is putting pressure on Team PCU’s abilities to focus on the positive improvements made over the past 9 months. Tough decisions made in response to changing market conditions is consistent with data supporting that within every company that succeeded at becoming great, they faced a period of significant adversity. Each exhibited the ability throughout to: “Retain absolute faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, AND at the same time confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” Like PCU, these organizations were determined to stay the course of continuous improvement and make sure the right people were on the bus, and the wrong people off. There remained a commitment to create an environment wherein people have an opportunity to be heard and ultimately “for the truth to be heard” in order to reach an understanding of “what the organization can be the best in the world at - not what it wants to be the best at, and equally important, what it cannot be the best at.” The maturation of Team PCU’s philosophy of “Excellence Through People” is being taken to the next level. Take another gut check: Is the customer the focus of everything I do? Am I a preferred supplier to my internal customers as well as external? Do I treat everyone with trust & respect? Am I being fair, honest and open? Do I make and keep commitments? Do I strive for continuous improvement through teamwork? These are all good questions, where the reality does have an impact on results!

 

Market changes remain a constant with great organizations embracing the need to change as a means to evolve in response to competitive market demands. There is little margin for error for Team PCU, as the competitive environment gets tougher, expectations for quality, reliability and support from the customer increases, and demands on each of our time goes up. Focusing on a healthy customer mix is highly desirable for any business and will require Team PCU to keep the pressure on changing the way it goes to market while continuously adapting to the changing realities of the competitive world. The soul of Team PCU will continue to thrive on this pressure as the catalyst to profitably move the business forward, so internalize the principles of excellence, and commit yourself to delivering results.


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