Power is nothing without control

Some of you may remember an advertising poster for Pirelli tyres that emerged back in the 1994. It was succinct, witty and clever. It featured the then all-conquering American athlete Carl Lewis, crouched in his starting position wearing his skin tight running gear but sporting a pair of red stiletto shoes. Already a world record holder and having won his eighth Olympic gold medal, Carl Lewis and those delicate heels perfectly embodied the message that Pirelli wanted to convey – that ‘power is nothing without control’.

The agency behind the creation, Young & Rubicam, had cleverly welded together, via picture and words, an essential truth with an absurdity to produce a near perfect ad. In fact, the concept it propounds was so successful that it still forms the bedrock upon which Pirelli’s message to the world is constructed today. Liberating those five words from Pirelli’s grasp and applying them more universally it is possible to see that there are other areas where this truism can be applied; away from the arena of fast cars and Olympic champions to an area that functions with less hue and cry.

This is a world that is essential for our comfortable existence – the world of oil and gas extraction. From the discovery of the raw resource to the final delivery to the end consumer the tasks involved are dependent upon a set of intricate procedures involving precision, people and performance. Especially when it comes to controlling the high-pressured flow of these liquids and gasses through pipes and storage facilities. It is here, at the heart of the process, where you’ll find Blackhall Engineering, unassumingly exercising its expertise in valve technology.

A case point

Located in North Lincolnshire, Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery (Prax) stands as a testament to excellence in the world of fuel supply. Constructed in 1968, this vast facility, spreading over some 500 acres, has the capacity to refine up to 113,000 barrels of oil every 24 hours, operating 365 days a year. As with every refining facility of this ilk the handling of extremely volatile and dangerous substances is a regular occurrence. It is therefore essential that every bit of equipment used in the process is robust and fit for purpose, preventing potential leaks and breaches.

It could be argued that the piece of equipment that is most responsible for maintaining the status quo within the network of these pipes and storage tanks are the valves. They are the guarantor of the refining process running smoothly. Any malfunction or inefficiency can result in downtime, which is costly for refineries and impacts upon the supply chain to the detriment of all.

It is therefore understandable that Prax, in their pursuit of enhancing operational efficiency, selected Blackhall Engineering for the upgrade of their valve systems. They recognized the value in partnering with us, considering the long-term advantages our high-quality valves offer, and that an initial investment would lead to significant future benefits, including reduced maintenance, fewer shutdowns, and an extended lifespan of their systems. There is also an environmental aspect to consider with this upgrade. In an industry under increasing scrutiny for environmental impacts, our premium valves stand out for their ability to minimize the risk of spills and leaks. This ensures that refineries not only comply with stringent environmental regulations but also avoid potential fines. By choosing our state-of-the-art solutions, Prax demonstrates their commitment to operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

Why Blackhall? What’s our USP?

Blackhall Engineering, with its rich heritage dating back to the 19th century, understands the critical requirements within the oil and gas fields and consequently emerges as the industry's trusted partner. It is precisely because we have a rich history that we stand as a colossus in the world of valve manufacturing. However, beyond our engineering prowess, the true essence of our brand lies in our people and their profound engagement with our customers. At Blackhall Engineering, while our premium valves are testament to our engineering excellence, our people define who we are and why we do what we do.

One such person is our expert Valvologist Ken Mason, whose prowess within the field of valve technology is unmatched. However, what truly sets him apart is his approach towards our clients. When Prax approached Blackhall Engineering with their valve problem, it was Ken who was tasked with coming up with a solution. An empiricist at heart, he believed in immersing himself in their environment to address their concerns and requirements in person. Visiting the refinery, he conducted a comprehensive ground analysis, ensuring that he'd grasped every nuance and detail of their requirement. Ken's dedication to this project was complemented by the invaluable contribution of Aadil Rafiq, our Technical Director.

Together, Ken and Aadil's teamwork and hands-on approach, coupled with their interactions with the people at Prax, allowed them to make an informed and sound decision about their valve replacement. Prax ultimately opted for Blackhall's Parallel Slide Valves from the M4689 series, Class 900 valves.

A testament to safety, efficiency and innovation

Designed to deal with extreme conditions – intense temperatures and high pressures – it's a favourite for heavy-duty industries like that at Prax. It is the culmination of human perseverance and endeavour that finds physical form in our valves, driven through by Ken and many others like him, that is, people who have dedicated their careers to mastering the science of valves. They have harnessed cutting-edge technology, utilised the best materials and employed advanced design methodologies like CFDA, FEA, along with seismic analysis. The result is a valve that not only meets but often exceeds industry standards.

Blackhall Engineering's relationship with Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery underscores the profound importance of high-quality valves in the oil refining industry. It's a testament to our shared vision of safety, efficiency, and innovation. With the combined expertise of professionals like Ken Mason and Aadil Rafiq, we are dedicated to elevating the standard, ensuring that in the multi-faceted world of oil refining, the integrity of processes is never compromised.

So, although Pirelli may have brought the phrase ‘power is nothing without control’ to the public’s notice, it is companies like us who are the torch holders when it comes to illuminating a clear and safe path into the future

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