L-K Log July

 L-K Log: July 2017 

L-K Fights Summer Stagnation
Trend, Embraces FUTURE

During vacation season, some businesses succumb to summer stagnation – but L-K Industries is actively using this summer to prepare for the future. L-K participates year-round in petroleum and industrial organizations such as API, ASTM and COQA (see June’s L-K Log) to stay abreast of industry changes. This summer, L-K is applying its technical prowess and knowledge gained from these industrial organizations to develop new products.

L-K Industries made its initial mark on the petroleum industry with the Melton Centrifuge in 1957. The first of the Benchmark Laboratory Centrifuge Series was developed in the late 1990s. The original Benchmark 2000 was modified and evolved into the Benchmark S in 2015. The Benchmark C was released in 2014, and is the first laboratory oil centrifuge with Class I, Division 2 certification. This fall, the Benchmark C will be modified to create the Benchmark Platinum. The new, improved machine will feature an all-in-one, interactive screen and a redesigned lid for easier bowl access. Additionally, the centrifuge spins at 2700+ rpm.

Recognizing that certain aspects of the oil industry are vulnerable to vandalism, L-K Industries recently began manufacturing and supplying Security Sealing Devices. Security sealing mechanisms provide evidence of theft or tampering of valves, piping junctions and other devices, and limit access to at-risk points such as lock nuts and needle valve handles. While security sealing does not prevent fraud or theft, having them in place facilitates compliance with OOC (Offshore Operators Committee) Best Practices and BSEE (Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement) requirements.

Security Sealing Devices

Another L-K advancement extends to field testing of crude oil samples. Basic sediment and water (BS&W) content is currently determined in the field via “shakeout test” and visual inspection. Test techniques vary from driver to driver, which can be problematic during custody transfer and result in significant economic consequences. The SMART Transport Centrifuge Series makes the shift toward automation. Its smart technology reduces human error, and provides testing traceability, real-time data, and improved efficiency. A smart device and microcomputer will operate the centrifuge, record and transmit field testing data to a server, and confirm tests run onsite to API/ASTM standards.

Patent-Pending SMART Transport Centrifuge

Today’s inventions fuel tomorrow’s petroleum business. Throughout its history, L-K Industries has been at the helm of the petroleum testing equipment industry. Even summer stagnation can’t slow decades of dedicated innovation. Contact L-K to order Security Sealing Devices (available now), and learn more about the Benchmark Platinum and SMART Transport centrifuges (coming in the fall).

Past – PRESENT – Future: Distributor Update

With its headquarters in Vernon Hills, IL, Cole-Parmer has been a leading global source of laboratory and industrial fluid handling products, instrumentation, equipment, and supplies since 1955 – and one of L-K’s distributors! Serving the scientific and engineering communities, Cole-Parmer is an important liaison highly valued by L-K. 

PAST – Present – Future

This is a blend of Past and Present… This 2011 photo showcases our Transport Centrifuge during the heart of the South Texas oil boom. Read the above article to see how L-K’s past and present invoke their future.