Solutions for energy evolution

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As the world moves forward in the development of EVs and ZEVs, Winn-Marion is helping customers move with it

Turnkey automation specialists the Winn-Marion Companies have been solving customer problems with emerging technology for nearly half a century. Next year, the Denver-based firm will celebrate 50 years of service to the industrial and semiconductor process marketplace, providing value-added instrumentation and process control solutions across a wide swath of sectors. With 12 offices throughout the Rocky Mountain region, Texas, and Pennsylvania, WM is a presence in oil & gas, architecture & engineering firms, biotech & pharmaceuticals, mining, and food & beverage, to name a few.

They’ve been active in the energy sector since Day One, supplying equipment and support to many of the coal-fired power plants that were being built in the Rockies in the 1970s and 1980s. More recently, WM has garnered estimable success in oil and gas by providing automation services to producers in the Denver-Julesburg, Bakken, Permian, Marcellus, Uintah, and Delaware basins, among others.

As today’s oil and gas production companies endeavor to shrink their carbon footprints, they are planning for a more electrified future and building the infrastructure to support the EV service trucks that will help them achieve that goal. “Electric vehicle charging is another iteration of our journey in the energy sector,” said WM president Tim Bradley.

The company continues to support their customers in oil & gas coal-fired plants, nuclear generating stations, and clean-burning natural gas heat recovery steam generation plants in addition to all their other markets as they look to the future. “Just as we adjusted from the horse and carriage to an infrastructure to support the automobile, it seems like our next transition is to EVs and the DC fast-charging infrastructure to support it,” he said.

A desire for increased energy efficiency is permeating every industrial market, and there’s no room for waste. Noting that the mantra of the moment for WM customers is “bigger, faster, stronger,” Bradley cautioned that while the EV infrastructure in the country is growing, some supplier and OEM missteps have led to lack of consumer confidence based on inoperable chargers. Greater attention to detail prevents these missteps. “Our approach is to walk the customer through the process from start to finish, from the quote to physical installation and commissioning with our trained electricians and technicians.”

The company is also participating in the emerging zero emissions EV market. At the 2021 Denver Auto Show, WM provided DC fast charging for Xcel Energy’s Electric Ride and Drive event. “We were able to top off the vehicles in record time and keep the rides going without interruption,” Bradley said. WM has also equipped the Boulder School District with the ability to fast-charge Colorado’s first electric school bus.

“Through a business partner we’re also working on a think-tank project, converting a 1988 Pontiac Fiero to an EV via a Tesla transplant,” he revealed. Prior to this endeavor, they also adapted a 1969 VW Beetle from gas to electric. “These projects have allowed many on our team to become more familiar with the industry and the technology and makes us much stronger as a partner in this play.”

To be a strong partner in industry requires alliances with strong partners, and for WM, partnering is paramount. One such partner, ABB, has grown and evolved with WM over decades. Most recently, WM created a “One ABB” customer experience by integrating six divisions’ worth of ABB offerings into a single convenient channel. ABB’s cutting-edge products include precision variable frequency drives that help decrease energy consumption, and compact ultra-low harmonic drives that eliminate the disruption to electrical systems caused by harmonics.

In response to the supply chain crisis, WM is working with several of their manufacturers to modify products so they can reach customers and fulfill their needs promptly. “Other companies, like Hydroplex, have always kept their casting operations in the USA, which avoids the port issues we see,” Bradley said. WM works with the high-pressure pump and system innovators to automate and apply choke valves used in the oil and gas industry.

Alongside WM, Hydroplex is helping to move the E&P sector toward more energy efficient and greener components. Bradley noted that Hydroplex looks at every small point in their design to squeeze out inefficiencies, and that makes for a better, more energy efficient solution, like their chemical injection port that prevents line freezes and reduces chemical use. “Partnering their valves with Valvcon electric actuators also prevents the release of greenhouse gases that you’ll see with other gas-operated options,” he added.

Along with their efforts to save energy and add efficiencies into the customer opportunities they support, WM helps them meet crucial safety obligations through partners such as Conspec Controls. “They have a complete line of gas detection systems that give our customers the confidence to enter a room or shelter and know that they have air to breathe and aren’t entering an explosion risk,” said Bradley of the firm, whose U.S.-based manufacturing operations help to eliminate supply chain issues.

“Winn-Marion has always been a great partner and supporter of new and innovative products for Conspec Controls,” said Doug Boyce, Conspec’s Senior O&G Business Development Manager.

“In short, the five-plus years we have partnered with WM have been very fruitful. Together we have been able to displace a very strong and established competitor base. Many of the leading E&P companies within our territory are now utilizing our product lines due to the combined efforts and synergy of our two companies.”

Boyce attributes that fruitful affiliation to WM’s shared trust and confidence in their products, particularly in their life-saving gas and flame detection technology, and the knowledge that Conspec will support their efforts and their customers. “WM is definitely one of our strongest channel partners within my area of responsibility, and I truly enjoy working with all their personnel in sales and service,” he said.

In addition to keeping them safe, “Winn-Marion is keeping our customers moving. And warm. And out of the dark.” Bradley’s declaration is an integral part of the WM mission to keep evolving and finding better ways to serve as industry reshapes itself for the future.