4 Questions to consider when choosing actuation integration
When a wide range of options are available for a service , it can become difficult to determine which facility will offer the highest quality products and customer care . The abundance of actuation shops that have services readily available , in most areas , makes it challenging to choose a partner that can support an end user ’ s needs now and in the future . Before sending actuators and valves to just any street corner , consider these four key questions .
By Ivy Davis
1 . What industry experience does the company in question have working with actuation and valves ?
It seems to be a common trend in the oil and gas industry that knowledge is transferred from the good ol ’ boys down to the rookies . As there is no replacement for hands-on experience and knowledge when it comes to oil and gas , it is important for an actuation integrator to have a good team of experts willing to provide detailed information about a projects ’ requirements . What does that mean ? As a customer , get ready to be asked questions . If a distributor ’ s request does not align with the recommended specifications , it is essential that an expert be present to outline potential issues and mitigate the risk of something going wrong . For example , Blaine Bertrand , of DONSOL Actuation and Integration , gives consultations frequently when specifications per the valve and actuator do not align with the customer ’ s request . “ It is about the safety and integrity of the end product we are providing to our customer , and we want to ensure a quality outcome ,” Blaine commented . “ That may even mean making recommendations other than the customer ’ s original request for specifications .” If the integration partner is asking the end user questions , it is important to note that it may be because of their previous experience in the industry . If their questions are knowledgeable and the conversation is positive , it is likely they will be a trusted partner now and on future projects .
2 . What is their availability and customer support ?
As the oil and gas industry does not sleep , situations often which arise where emergency assistance is needed . When a plant or facility is in crisis mode , a reliable partner is crucial to find fast and efficient solutions . It is therefore important to first consider their hours and if they are reachable by more than one point of contact . They may have an office phone and email , but is there an emergency number or after-hours point of contact ? Some key circumstances where you may need to reach an actuation shop after hours are : 1 . A new valve actuator is required , 2 . There is an emergency shut down due to a critical application failure , 3 . Need integration of valve and actuator quickly , 4 . A specific control failure on an existing component occurs and a replacement is needed .
Another aspect to consider is , even if the actuation shop is available to quickly assist with a quotation or solution , will they meet the needs of the application and the distributor ? It is important to ask questions to determine if all of the expectations have been reviewed and understood .
Below are some of the top customer support questions to ask an actuation integrator : 1 . Are requirements being met : Has the actuation integrator considered all specifications required as per the end user ’ s applications for their actuation package ?
2 . Testing per specifications : Has the actuation integrator reviewed and met all testing specifications required by the end user ? For example , has hydro testing taken place ( if required ), and has the standard testing of the actuation package per the spec sheet and quotation from the integrator been completed ?
3 . Documentation to support offer and application : Does your actuation integrator have supporting documentation for all the sizing , controls , and additional offerings ?
4 . Customer Support : Is the actuation integrator able to help troubleshoot issues in the field on actuation packages that have been previously shipped ? If they do not have the
34 Valve World September 2022 www . valve-world . net