L-K Log: June 2017 

Rebirth of the Industry:
Investing in the Organizations that Fuel Change

Big Oil. Gallon hats. J.R. Ewing. TEXAS. Every legendary aspect of the U.S. Petroleum Industry – both real and fictitious – seems larger than life. Perhaps impenetrable. So how does a small player like L-K Industries fit in? In practice, even for small businesses, there’s a spot for anyone willing to commit and connect. L-K dedicates substantial time and manpower to maintaining connections through organizations and conferences like ISHM, GCC, API, COQA, and ASTM. Through rigorous participation in coalitions like these, L-K can provide insight, stay abreast of changes that may affect the business, and make real-time impact on industry standards – making small seem quite significant.

Of course, interfacing with existing and potential customers at trade shows and conferences like those hosted by ISHM (International School of Hydrocarbon Measurement) and GCC (Gulf Coast Conference) is an important avenue for growth – something every company chases, big or small. And involvement in industrial organizations such as API, COQA, and ASTM allow for consistent, one-on-one contact with larger companies. But most important is the opportunity to have a substantial impact on developments and revisions in the petroleum and manufacturing  industries.

ASTM International, the American Society for Testing & Materials, operates over 12,000 ASTM standards globally, “working across borders, disciplines and industries [to] harness the expertise of over 30,000 members to create consensus and improve performance in manufacturing and materials, products and processes, systems and services.” L-K Industries is proud to participate in two ASTM committees: D02 – Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants, and E20 – Temperature Measurement, and are particularly involved in E20.05, the subcommittee on liquid-in-glass thermometers. Miller-Weber of Texas, owned and operated by L-K, is a leading manufacturer of thermometers and glassware.

API, the American Petroleum Institute, “is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry… from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents.” With a mission to “promote safety across the industry globally and to influence public policy in support of a strong, viable U.S. oil and natural gas industry,” supporting API is important work. L-K attended their Committee On Petroleum Measurement Standards during the seasonal meeting held in Dallas in March of 2017, and plans are already afoot to sponsor a booth during next year’s spring meeting. The Crude Oil Quality Association, COQA, “is dedicated to the belief that maintaining the integrity and consistency of the refining characteristics of crude oil streams is of importance to all parties involved in crude oil activity, from production locations to the refinery.” L-K cosponsored COQA’s last two meetings, held in Houston and New Orleans. At the Houston meeting, L-K’s owner Eric Calderon revealed plans for a new SMART Transport series utilizing automation to reduce human error and provide historical, traceable data in case of custody transfer disputes. Basic sediment and water (BS&W) content determination, which is currently done by visual inspection after centrifugation, is riddled with opportunities for mistakes. Harried drivers, inconsistent analysis, missed steps, and variable test times are all problematic during the transportation of samples from suppliers to buyers, and currently there is no way to ensure that testing is performed to ASTM and API standards. The SMART Transport series long-term success rests on producing repeatable images for accurate processing and adequate images for human viewing. L-K currently has two patents filed and is hard at work developing the ground-breaking SMART transport centrifuge. L-K Industries is dedicated to staying not only involved, but invested in the organizations that maintain standards and fuel change within the petroleum and general manufacturing industries. The American Petroleum Institute has dubbed this the age of “The Energy Renaissance” and L-K is prepared to be a partner in the rebirth of the industry.

Distributor Update!

We LOVE our Distributors, and this month we’re highlighting one new relationship and one tried and true…

First, we’re proud to partner with Ayalytical as a distributor for our lab equipment in South America. When it comes to petroleum testing, accuracy is critical, and Ayalytical Instruments is a petroleum analyzer company that brings together high caliber instrumentation from top global manufacturers.

We’re also thrilled to highlight our distributor relationship with DC Scientific, a registered manufacturer and distributor of precision glassware products, testing equipment, and accessories for the petroleum laboratory. Thanks to both companies for your support, and here’s to many more years together!

Past – PRESENT – Future: Welcome to the L-K Family!

L-K warmly welcomes Prentiss McWilliams and Amanda Heiman, our  newly hired sales associates! Prentiss has a degree in Electrical Engineering, five years IT experience as a Network Analyst, and six years of commercial and retail sales. Amanda has a degree in Criminal Justice, many years of sales experience (she loves the chase), and an 11-year-old. Welcome to the L-K family Prentiss and Amanda!

PAST – Present – Future: Farewell, Friend!