ACTUATION solution , are they able to find a solution in an efficient and timely manner ?
After considering all of the questions listed above , lead time efficiencies should be considered . Once it has been made clear that the actuation partner has expert know-how , and can provide technical support , the distributor or manufacturer must assess how quickly the partner can execute a quality project within a given timeline .
3 . How to determine if an actuation integrator ’ s lead times will meet your needs ?
Expectations for lead times will vary depending on the type of project , its size , as well as the preferred timeline . With that in mind , there are key factors that can be used to shorten lead times at any actuation company . Knowing what these factors are , and what is expected from both the actuation shop as well as the distributor , can help to achieve shorter lead times . Some factors to consider include :
• How quickly can the manufacturer or supplier turn around a quote to get the project in the line-up ?
• Does the actuation integrator offer rush options or guarantee a timeline ?
• Is the actuation company a one-stop shop ? Meaning , can the actuation integrator handle the entirety of the project , from initial quotation to final assembly ? ( valve / adaption / controls / actuator / assembly / testing )
• Can the integrator machine any materials necessary in-house for the job ? Fabricate adaption in-house ? Bore and thread , bore and key in-house to meet the actuation assembly needs ? Does the machine shop have integration or customization ?
• What is the location of the warehouse in relation to where the product needs to be delivered ?
For example , Sam Davis , Managing Partner at DONSOL , said : “ Our lead times are exceptional because we have a fully functional machine shop in-house with more than two decades of experience . This means we are not waiting on things to come in . We are machining with the job .”
4 . Do integrators consider specifications or AML ( Approved Manufacture ’ s List ) when completing a project ?
Trusting an actuation company with the end user ’ s information , so they can provide the best recommendations at a less expensive cost , is probably the most important consideration when selecting an actuation shop . “ When starting my business years ago , I decided to not work with the end users to build trust among my customers . It is my goal to provide distributors and manufacturers with the support and partnership they need to fulfil their clients ’ needs on time with a quality product ,” stated Sam Davis . “ When I provide a quote to our customer , I like to give them options at different price points to accomplish the same end goal , unless they have specified manufacturers otherwise . If they let me know the specifics of the AML , I use that as a guideline to make recommendations ,” continued Blaine Bertrand . Most of the market tends to make decisions based on the previously used specifications . This can , however , lead to issues , as the previous requirements may no longer be suitable for the actuator and valve in question . Each valve and actuator is marked with specifications that should be abided by for use . Similar to tire pressure in a bike , where there is a recommended or specific PSI labelled on the side wall , a valve or actuator will also have a spec .
If the recommended specifications are not followed , it can cause unnecessary stress on the tire ( or valve ), and it will not function correctly or at all . If the pressure is too low , it can wear out in places it should not . If it has too much pressure , the force will cause the tire to ride roughly or burst . Some causes of unnecessary stress on a valve or actuator can lead to the following :
• Stretching of bolting
• Warping of plates
• Broken yoke tubes
• Unrepeatability
• Twisted off valve stems
• Bent valve internals
• Blowing out the bottom of the valve ( cracked valve body )
• Over torqued and stuck gates
• Bent mechanical stops
• Loss of production and the chance of injury or accident .
Conclusion
A valuable partner in the oil and gas industry can save both the distributor and end user time and money . By asking these questions and ensuring that the actuation partner can meet all of the expectations associated with these questions , both the distributor and integrator will experience a more efficient and effective process . Consider the above information when choosing a partner to meet industry needs . 1 . Industry Knowledge 2 . Availability and Customer Support 3 . Lead Times 4 . Actuator and Valve Specifications
The distributor / manufacturer and partner should collaborate to achieve mutual goals and provide the best end product to their end customer .
About the author Ivy Davis began her career in 2007 with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas Lutheran University . She was awarded the ‘ Outstanding Marketing Award ’ for the highest GPA in her graduating class and has since excelled as a marketing professional . Ivy continues to pursue her passion for marketing and regularly consults with organizations to facilitate marketing plans for exponential growth in their industry . She has worked in Houston , Texas for the last decade and focuses predominantly on the oil & gas and technology sectors . www . valve-world . net Valve World September 2022
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