Express control panel build

New pump control panels ensure a great New Year for Caribbean fuel terminal

Expanding a business and installing new equipment requires precision planning and timely deliveries if the start-up date is to be achieved. For one major business in the U.S. Virgin Islands, two existing pumps were to be installed in a different process, but before they could be started, control panels were needed and quickly. Thankfully, Sulzer was able to design, procure all the necessary components and produce two panels ahead of schedule.

Located in St Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ocean Point Terminals is the largest marine storage facility in the Caribbean. Recently, it needed to expand its operations and plans were going well until they started looking for a supplier to design and build two new pump control panels. Several potential suppliers were contacted, but none of them could meet the delivery deadline of mid-January. 

The call to Sulzer in mid-November was almost their last hope. Fortunately, the leading independent service provider (ISP) has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing drives and control panels for pumping systems and was able to support the customer. In fact, the project was fast-tracked and a delivery date before the end of the year was confirmed.

The first step was a phone call between Sulzer and Ocean Point Terminals to discuss the technical specifications of the new drives and the details of the application, which may affect the way in which the pumps operate. The pumps were 125 HP (93 kW) and the plan was to install them for oil transfer operations. 

From this, a complete list of components was created and priced. The quote from Sulzer was accepted and the project got underway following the call clarifying the technical specifications.

Marcin Chojnacki, Regional Sales Manager for Sulzer, commented: “We created an extensive parts list for the new control panels and made certain that everything we needed was available from stock – we did not have any spare time to wait for back-orders. Using our preferred suppliers, we were able to place orders for immediate delivery to ensure our build process could start without delay.”

In this case, the customer requested a variable speed drive (VSD) for each pump, preferring this to a star-delta starter for this application. Having the information about the application enabled the Sulzer technicians to pre-program the VSDs with the required control profile.

The delivery date of December 21 was achieved, a full three weeks ahead of the customer’s expectations.

A representative from Ocean Point Terminals, explained: “Project timing is very important for us and Sulzer was able to quickly translate our request into a delivery. The specification and ordering process was seamless and the new panels have been installed successfully, enabling our expansion project to remain on track.”

Marcin concludes: “Our expertise in pumps and pumping applications ensures the best control solution for our customers. Thanks to our excellent supply chain and in-house design team, we were able to complete this project well ahead of the deadline.”

About Sulzer

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering and chemical processing applications. We specialize in energy-efficient pumping, agitation, mixing, separation, purification, crystallization and polymerization technologies for fluids of all types. Our solutions enable carbon emission reductions, development of polymers from biological sources, recycling of plastic waste and textiles, and efficient power storage. Our customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance and quality through our responsive network of 180 world-class manufacturing facilities and service centers across the globe. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2022, our 12’900 employees delivered revenues of CHF 3.2 billion. Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN).  www.sulzer.com

The Flow Equipment division specializes in pumping solutions specifically engineered for the processes of our customers. We provide pumps, agitators, compressors, grinders, screens and filters developed through intensive research and development in fluid dynamics and advanced materials. We are a market leader in pumping solutions for water, oil and gas, power, chemicals and most industrial segments. www.sulzer.com

Through a network of over 100 service sites around the world, Sulzer provides cutting-edge parts as well as maintenance and repair solutions for pumps, turbines, compressors, motors and generators. We service our own original equipment, but also all associated third-party rotating equipment run by our customers, maximizing its sustainability and life cycle cost-effectiveness. Our technology-based solutions, fast execution and expertise in complex maintenance projects are available at our customers’ doorsteps.

www.sulzer.com