Bray as a project partner: from design to delivery

Bray Controls Benelux is more than just a supplier of valves, actuators and related components. Increasingly, we are involved in large-scale, challenging industrial projects, where we regularly contribute our expertise and support from the initial design phase through to delivery.

In this blog, we show what it means when an organization engages Bray Controls as a project partner. Whether it involves, for example, a new refinery, a tank terminal, a hydrogen plant or an expansion of a chemical plant: we support organizations in every phase of the process! Technically, commercially and organizationally.

A project from small to large

A project at Bray often does not start with a multi-million budget. In practice, it can begin on a small scale. For example, an organization in the chemical industry may have been experiencing problems for some time due to corrosion in a specific pipeline. Or a control valve may perform less effectively when contamination causes friction. Initially, it may seem to concern one application and one control valve, but once we start discussing the medium, process conditions, maintenance frequency and desired service life, a simple request can still turn into a project-based approach. The experts at Bray Controls analyze together with the customer where the real problem lies and which solution is the best long-term choice. This may involve, for example, a different material combination, or it may require another type of valve with a more robust design.

What starts as a relatively small investment can then develop into standardization across an entire installation or even across multiple locations. The difference between individual sales and a project therefore lies not only in the size of the order, but above all in the way we work together. For us, a project means: thinking ahead, identifying risks and making future-proof choices together.

Actively contributing ideas in a changing market

The industry is changing rapidly. New regulations, sustainability, rising energy prices and geopolitical developments are making investment decisions more complex. As a result, projects are postponed, accelerated or even completely revised. Whereas in the past two years might have been allocated for engineering and preparation, today this sometimes has to be completed in just one year.

In this dynamic environment, it is important to have a project partner that can adapt flexibly. Bray Controls Benelux closely follows market developments and maintains intensive contact with end customers, EPC contractors and engineering companies. We look ahead together with you: which expansions are planned? Which processes are being modified? Where can we add value at an early stage? The earlier we are involved, the greater our added value can be.

Involved from the initiative phase for maximum returns

Many major projects start years before the first foundation is poured. Consider, for example, the construction of a plant for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) or hydrogen. In the initiative phase, the concept is developed and the first technical choices are made.

This is exactly the phase in which Bray can make a difference. When we are able to contribute to the selection and standardization of flow control components, this not only helps in determining the investment budget (CapEx), but also in controlling operational costs (OpEx).

When an installation requires a large number of valves, smart standardization can significantly reduce the number of different types required.  This means fewer spare parts in stock, simpler maintenance and less complexity in warehouse management. A slightly higher purchase price per valve can therefore lead to significant savings over the full lifetime of the installation.

Collaboration with contractors and end customers

Large projects involve multiple parties. End customers regularly acquire a technology license for a specific process. An EPC contractor is then engaged to actually design and build the installation. Within that process, a large number of components must be selected, specified and purchased.

Bray works closely in this environment with both the end customer and the contractor. We understand that everyone has their own role. In many cases, the contractor is responsible for engineering and integration. We are not there to take over that role, but to ensure that our expertise is introduced at the right moment.

Sometimes this results in a complete solution in which, in addition to our own products, additional third-party components are also included. By acting as a single contractual partner, we relieve the customer of complexity and prevent orders from having to be divided among multiple suppliers. This simplifies communication, planning and contract management.

Smarter design: savings beyond the valve itself

The impact of choosing the right valve often extends further than one might initially think. We see this, for example, at tank terminals.

At tank terminals, many pipelines often come together in a tank pit. Traditionally, heavy valves were used there, requiring extensive steel structures and platforms to enable operation and maintenance.

By using modern, more compact and lighter valve designs, the total weight of the installation can be significantly reduced. This translates into lighter foundations and less steel construction. In certain projects, we have been able to demonstrate that a higher investment in valves resulted in much greater savings on civil costs. In this way, a technical choice suddenly becomes a strategic cost decision!

Digitalization and predictive maintenance

In addition to mechanical reliability, digitalization is playing an increasingly important role. Knowledge at production sites is changing and declining. Experienced technicians with decades of practical experience are retiring, while installations are simultaneously becoming more complex.

This is where smart automation offers a solution. With digital positioners on control valves, among other technologies, performance can be monitored continuously. Thanks to integrated electronics and software, deviations in a production process can be detected at an early stage.

Instead of waiting until a valve gets stuck and causes an emergency shutdown, preventive maintenance can be scheduled. This prevents unplanned downtime, product loss and high disposal costs. Especially in critical processes, just one hour of downtime can cost a substantial amount of money.

The choice between simple pneumatic control and an intelligent digital solution is therefore not a purely technical consideration, but a strategic decision with a direct impact on reliability and returns. Bray supports parties in this digitalization process and provides advice where needed.

Project certainty in the execution phase

Once a project enters the execution phase, the focus shifts to planning and delivery reliability. A new project has a tight timeline.

Delays caused by missing components can have major financial consequences. That is why Bray has international project teams that manage orders from receipt through to delivery. Production planning, documentation, transport, expediting and communication with the customer are carefully coordinated.

When needed, we act quickly. A delivery that was originally planned to be shipped by sea can, in urgent cases, be sent by air. Documentation packages are supplied on time so that technical files are complete. In this way, we ensure that valves do not become the critical factor in your planning.

For us, project certainty means: taking responsibility within our scope and doing everything necessary to ensure your project runs smoothly.

Sustainability as a shared responsibility

Sustainability is no longer a separate topic. Industrial companies are faced with stricter environmental requirements, emission restrictions and selection criteria from large multinationals. Suppliers are increasingly being assessed based on their own sustainability policies.

We invest in sustainable production ourselves, including through energy-efficient facilities and solar panels at production sites. In global supply chains, sustainability is a shared responsibility. When you invest in a sustainable installation, it is only logical that your suppliers also meet high standards.

Bray Controls Benelux as your project partner

What distinguishes Bray as a project partner is our balance between involvement and respect for all participants involved and their responsibilities. We do not take the place of the contractor or the process engineer, but when you need technical sparring, standardization advice, optimization of total cost of ownership or support with complex choices, we stand alongside you.

Whether the project starts with just a single shut-off valve/control valve or immediately with a major investment: we think in solutions that look beyond the product alone.

Would you like to know what Bray Controls Benelux can mean for your project? We would be happy to discuss this with you. Please contact us.