ACE Issue 33 2023 | Page 10

Petrochem and Bürkert bring value for process control projects in Ireland

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The success of large projects in the process sector relies on the collaboration of its stakeholders . Within this relationship , the role of the distributor is essential . The Petrochem Group , a major distributor in Ireland , has built a relationship with Bürkert to deliver valves and instrumentation components with optimum performance and value . This relationship also provides an excellent trade-counter service , ensuring knowledgeable staff with a firm connection to the equipment manufacturer .

Across various sectors within the process industry , the key to building value is partnership . In markets from pharmaceutical manufacturing through to wastewater treatment , each stakeholder provides a unique contribution . As engineers responsible for project specification select from process equipment manufacturers , the role of the distributor is often integral to assembling the best solution .
The distributor is central to communication between the specifier on one side , which could be the engineering services provider and their chosen contractor , or an OEM with in-house expertise , and on the other side , the equipment vendor . An experienced distributor with the right engineering knowledge ensures that the specification is met as quickly as possible within time-constrained projects . Assuming the distributor is equipped with a broad stock , they also typically facilitate rapid product supply . sive solution , this is combined with valves and instrumentation , the point where Bürkert integrates within the portfolio .
“ Among our biggest customers are contractors for large engineering firms who design and specify projects for the dairy and pharmaceutical industries . We also work on projects for some of the large multinational corporates based in Ireland , taking care of their process control requirements for office space and data centres ,” says Petrochem ’ s James O ’ Driscoll , responsible for service to the company ’ s existing accounts .
“ When it comes to valves , valve actuation , instrumentation as well as the control and measurement of pressure , flow and temperature , many projects have specialised requirements . This is where we rely on Bürkert ’ s knowledge to help guide the detailed specification ,” adds James .
Petrochem has a wide network of contractor relationships in Ireland as a result of the company ’ s broad ranging experience . When the distributor is approached for a new project , they typically engage with Bürkert ’ s engineering experts , dedicated to specific segments such as hygienic or pharmaceutical applications . This enhances advice provided by Petrochem in meeting a specification with specific expertise gained from working on applications around the world .
“ A good example is a recent project working with a big engineering services provider that was specifying a water supply and wastewater control system to a tech corporate . Measurement of organic impurities was crucial . Our network and experience enabled us to initially source the opportunity , but Bürkert ’ s engineering expertise dedicated to this sector helped increase the value we could provide to the project ,” says James .
Notwithstanding the partnership that enables Petrochem to involve Bürkert ’ s expertise , the company has extensive specification knowledge in its own right . From Petrochem ’ s 70-strong team across Ireland , the company has an in-depth understanding of valve and instrumentation integration .
“ The importance of Petrochem , in terms of their sector knowledge and experience , is crucial ,” says Bürkert ’ s Ireland Account Manager , Des McCarthy . “ The close contact they have with contractors and OEMs , from dairies to chemical plants , and the understanding of the engineering challenges that this brings , is very important . With their technical know-how of valves and instrumentation , they can arrive at a very close specification that , if required , our engineers can fine-tune .”
With two large facilities in Ireland , in Cork and Meath , Petrochem is also able to carry a wide-ranging stock , enabling rapid availability for large projects . This also means that Petrochem can provide trade-counter sales to contractors .
“ As well as the technical support they provide , Bürkert is at the forefront of design and innovation , meaning that their products continually improve on accuracy and efficiency . Their designs are built to last , so this gives us confidence and helps create the trust we share with our customers ,” says James . “ Together , this creates a strong partnership to serve engineers at all levels across process sector projects .”
In Ireland ’ s process control sector , this is exemplified by the partnership between flow control specialist Bürkert , and distributor Petrochem Group , which has provided value to end users and OEMs , as well as contractors , for over 15 years . Originally founded to supply the petrochemical market , today the vision includes all sectors within the process industry including pharmaceutical , food & beverage , water treatment and biotech . Supplying tubing and hardware is a mainstay of Petrochem ’ s expertise , but to provide a comprehenwww . burkert . com / en