“ We are constantly asking our distributors what they want to see next . This can be in terms of product features , internal and external communications , integration , as well as services and solution-oriented improvements or adjustments ,” said Wright . The company takes pride in receiving and implementing customer feedback to create holistic solution-oriented answers . “ We have a team of engineers that respond to specific customer issues , because not every application is cookie-cutter . People come to us for solutions for abrasion , highpressure , material compatibility , or end connections that need to be customized ,” explained Wright . “ We are equipped to react quickly and efficiently to help when customers require application assistance , and we know that if we can solve a client ’ s difficult problems , they will know they can also come to us with the easy ones .” |
“ We are equipped to react quickly and efficiently to help when customers require application assistance , and we know that if we can solve a client ’ s difficult problems , they will know they can also come to us with the easy ones .” |
|||
|
Upon acquiring a small company from Houston , Texas , A-T Controls was able to further expand its offerings to include an innovative controller , the Mighty Controller , which operates the company ’ s system group . The Mighty Controller is an innovative computing device designed for OEMs and system integrators who want to modernize existing approaches to local system controls . “ We sell manual and automated quarter turn valves , and with applications like the Mighty Controller , we also offer a complete system to our customers . The Mighty Controller provides information such as temperature , torque signatures , and vibration measurements giving the end user useable data that can be used to mitigate the risks of failures ,” said Wright . “ Ultimately it can optimize the actuator and valve positions to increase efficient flow through the wellhead .”
A-T Controls has built trust with industrywide clients , applying its strengths , and rallying its resources towards unwavering effort and creative solutions .
Leading the Way
A-T Controls believes there are two kinds of company cultures : leading or following . “ We are dedicated to being the leader – we do not want to fall behind and follow other companies as technology progresses . We want to be known for our high quality , high standards , and dedication to solution focused service ,” Wright commented .
To ensure it provides its customers with the best products , the company sends all its valves to an independent third party for testing to ensure nothing is overlooked . As a result , the distribution department is heavily involved in the production side of the business . “ By conducting everything from ISO 9000 to API audits , the team continues to ensure production and operations are following the comprehensive quality mandates .”
The company ’ s commitment to being available , responsive , and innovative , along with a broad offering of quality products , has allowed it to truly put the customer first . “ Our response to the needs of distribution , customers , and end users is paramount ,” stated Wright . “ From the moment a customer picks up the phone for their inquiry , A-T Controls guarantees that the client is speaking to a knowledgeable representative .”
|
someone comes to us with an application , wanting to know whether they need to vent the ball , or if they have an inquiry about materials and flow , we have the expertise to guide them towards applications that best fit their needs . We want to make sure that we provide the best outcome to our clients , as it is important to stay transparent and build trust ,” said Wright . “ A-T Controls ’ responsiveness is driven towards getting the client ’ s question answered , not just a short answer , but the right answer .”
Emissions and Sustainability
Further , A-T Controls ’ customer-centric approach means it has been attuned to the concerns clients have had about fugitive emissions . By focusing on total service , A-T Controls ’ has become a leader in sustainability . Indeed , the decision to upgrade its packing systems and obtain certifications such as ISO 15848-2 arose from customer demands . A-T Controls started designing its valves over 20 years ago with a unique 3-packing system , using a pyramidal stem seal . The initial sealing of the stem to the packing is through a pyramidtype design , with Teflon . The secondary seal is an O-ring , and it seals both the stem
|
side and the body side of the valve . The tertiary seal is the live loaded packing . With new standards came the requirement for fugitive emissions bonnets , a double set of packing , bellow seals , and much more for the rotary valve market . These changes and investments allow the company to provide preventive safety measures for the products that are being distributed , continuing to keep the best possible solutions for the end user and the industry .
ISO 15848-2 is a standard that evaluates how well valve seals prevent fugitive emissions . The standard tests valve stem seals and body seals for leakage ( measured in concentration or a leak rate ) and categorizes valves into different ‘ tightness classes ’ based on how well a valve performed through a series of tests ( endurance classes ) at different temperatures and pressures ( temperature classes ). These classes are determined based on the test fluid used , the number of cycles the valve
|
undergoes , the temperature the test , and how a valve is identified ( isolating or control valve ). Isolating valves can be tested to 2,500 cycles , while control valves can be tested to 100,000 cycles . Methane and Helium are both allowed as test fluids , and the standard does not allow for any correlations between them . ISO 15848-2 testing uses helium for production testing of valves that have already passed ISO 15848-1 testing . The allowable leakage rate of stem seals is also characterized in tightness classes , and the allowable leakage from body seals . A-T Controls can provide ISO 15848-2 testing at their Cincinnati facility . All valves are identified with a tag that indicates the unique test for each valve .
What Does the Future Hold for A-T Controls ?
A-T Controls is excited for what is to come next within the valve market . It will continue to grow with its customers and introduce new products and automations that will broaden its offerings even further . While the supply chain issues of the COVID-19 years created obstacles , the company recognized that it needed to continue to adapt and innovate . “ To account for those challenges , we took proactive measures , such as getting ahead of blanket orders , raw materials , and increasing foundry capacities . Although it was not a simple process , A-T Controls prides itself on its ability to successfully manage the troubleshoot processes ,” commented Wright .
“ We will continue to see interest in connectivity and monitoring for processes . The systems group and some of the product features speak to this ,” said Wright . Data driven initiatives will continue to be a larger part of what the company offers . “ Our success is determined by the quality of people who work diligently and honestly in the company . Whether it is our sales department , engineering , production , or quality assurance , all the people at A-T Controls that touch the process , care about the customer ’ s needs ,” he concluded .
|
|
Its highly experienced engineering and sales staff , coupled with its extensive inventory , therefore provide the customer with solutions needed to fulfill most valve and actuator requirements , while offering a competitive price and fast turnaround . “ If |
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the profiled company and may not reflect the position of Valve World Americas . |