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Reliable Engine Drives Cut Operator Cost
- Rugged design withstands Gulf corrosion
- Fewer components lowers maintenance costs, parts use and downtime
- Customer believes Miller service demonstrates commitment to his success
Customer Testimonial
“We are thrilled that Miller Electric has taken it upon themselves to build the Big Blue 402P, a welding generator compatible with Gulf conditions. Its corrosion-resistant alloy materials, built-in drip pan and protective cage put it very much in the forefront.”
— Robert Meith, vice president, Production Management Industries, L.L.C. (PMI)
Application
Fabrication and construction services to companies such as Kerr-McGee, Chevron/Texaco, Shell, BP, Boise d'Arc, Denbury, McMoran, El Paso and others in the oil and natural gas industry.
Key Business Issue
Ensuring maximum uptime and availability of welding equipment used on offshore platforms.
Challenge
Withstanding corrosive Gulf of Mexico environment and transportation to the platform on the back of a workboat in rough seas.
Previous System & Process
Competitive diesel engine drives.
New Solution
- Miller's Big Blue 400-amp engine drive, CC-only model, with Perkins engine and stainless steel offshore environmental package.
- Designed to eliminate failure points in harsh environments, the Big Blue uses a simple rheostat to adjust the amperage, and it does not contain any PC boards. A 15-stage epoxy electrocoated (a painting process) base provides superior corrosion resistance. This base is fully enclosed to prevent dirt and corrosive matter from deteriorating internal parts. A cage made from heavy duty, hot-dipped galvanized steel shields the unit from the inevitable bumps caused when lifting the unit off a boat with a crane in rough seas.
Results
- Better reliability and availability. “The durability of the [Big Blue] has been excellent. It's a rugged design, and I've heard nothing but good things. Miller has a quality product, the price is right and you have service. I generally don't praise service too much because I don't think too many companies beat us on service, but Miller does a really good job. They're thorough and committed to my success. I applaud that.”
— Robert Meith, vice president, PMI - Equipment costs lowered. “It's an excellent machine for the offshore market. The Miller machine [Big Blue] has fewer parts, a better design and holds up better. That's a real big help for us as far as maintenance and downtime are concerned. From a purchasing standpoint, we go through much more parts on our [competitive] machines.”
—Dan McQueen, electrician, PMI - Ease-of-use. The Big Blue CC-only model has minimal controls, so anyone can set it up. “I can promise you, and I speak for every offshore contractor, we don't need bells and whistles. We need rugged, easy-to-operate engine drives without electronic devices. We are not welding a Rolex watch or putting a man on the moon, so we don't need intricate controls.”
— Robert Meith, vice president, PMI
