February Newsletter

Reliable Controls is dedicated to transforming the engineering and consulting industry through Safety, Quality and Expertise. Our outlook is global, and we embrace employees from all over the world. We work with purpose: forging Innovative Methods, Processes and Technologies. Through our passion and unified vision, we create the greatest solutions of our generation.

 Projects
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Reliable Controls' Experience with Hydraulic Fracturing

In November of 2016, the Reliable Controls team set off with the goal of integrating a new Honeywell Burner Management System with an existing control system to assist in drying frac sand at a facility in Brady, TX. With this integration, the RCC team worked to provide three PID control loops and commission these control loops by tuning the PID to meet the desired set loop without oscillation, and to overshoot/undershoot the set point. 

The team assessed the following:   

  • Control Burner output based on the output temperature of the sand. (Process)
  • Control the speed of the fluidizing blower based on fan output & pressure.
  • Control the speed of the exhaust fan based on the draft pressure, a negative pressure set point between the dryer & scrubber. (Wet Dust Collector)

Frac sand is a natural material made from high-purity sandstone that is used for Hydraulic Fracturing, also known as "fracking." Due to requirements put in place by the American Petroleum Institute that monitor the weight percentage, sphericity and roundness, crush resistance, acid solubility and turbidity of frac sand, mining companies will wash and dry the sand to rid it of all possible impurities.

During the drying stage, the sand is shaped and sized into a variety of products. These shapes and sizes have a large effect on conductivity, making quality and consistency in this process very important. The Reliable Controls team successfully completed this project! This is just one area of Hydraulic Fracturing that the RCC team can assist with. For more information, visit our projects section via the link below, or contact us at 801.924.8300.

RCC Projects

Meet the Team!
johnnywhite

This month, we'd like to introduce you to Johnny White, one of our Senior Process Controls Engineers.  Johnny joined the Reliable Controls team in November of 2013. He was a 1987 BYU graduate, and carried a lot of experience with him to Reliable. He has 2 years experience in Mechanical Design and Engineering, 2 years as a Project Engineer and 25 years doing Process Controls Engineering and Instrument Engineering. We're lucky to have him! 

Johnny likes the variety Reliable Controls offers with our clientele, and would recommend our company to anyone who wants or needs variety in their work experience. He shared that one of the most memorable projects he's worked on is one where he was contracted to an Australian ECM company, "The work was varied and the project team was great to work with," he explained. 

Outside of Reliable, when he's not working on remodeling their home, Johnny spends time with his wife of 32 years, Nancy Marie, his 5 children, Courtney, Megan, Caitlin, Zachary and Sophia, and his grandchild. He also plays the guitar! 

When asked what he thought his biggest strength as an individual was, Johnny simply said, "Perseverance." -A great strength to have, and definitely one we can see in through his work. 

Lastly, as always, we asked Johnny to share some words of wisdom with our readers, "Live in the present moment," he said, something of which we can always be reminded. Thanks for sharing, Johnny! And thank you for being an integral part of the Reliable Controls Team! 


safetyculture
The Importance of Proper Eye Protection  

Did you know? According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports, about 2,000 U.S. workers a day sustain eye-related injuries that require medical attention. The major reasons for these injuries were credited to either the worker not wearing eye protection, or wearing the wrong kind of eye protection. Experts believe that with the right preventative methods and eye protection, roughly 90 percent of these injuries could be avoided. 

OSHA requires workers to wear eye protection any time there is reasonable probability of injury. The type of eye protection required depends on the type of job and the amount of risk. Potential eye hazards at work include:
  • Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood or other particles that may enter your eye).
  • Chemicals (splashes and fumes).
  • Radiation (visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation and lasers).
  • Bloodborne Pathogens (hepatitis or HIV).

Some projects or occupations may present more than one of these hazards, which is why it is important to know which kind of eye protection to wear. Safety glasses with side shields should be worn any time there are particles, flying objects or dust. If there are chemicals or fluids present, then goggles would be the necessary personal eye protection, and if around hazardous radiation, special-purpose equipment is required, such as glasses, goggles, face shields or helmets that are uniquely designed to protect against radiation.

As any employer, it's important to assess your workplace for potential eye hazards and remove them when possible.  Also, provide the necessary training and appropriate safety eyewear to employees and implement a policy requiring them to wear their eye protection around any potential hazards. 

As an employee, know the risk of eye injury in your work environment, wear proper protection and make sure your eyewear is maintained, in good condition and replaced if damaged. 

*Information gathered from American Optometric Association

ambassadorvisit
Roundtable Discussion With Ambassador Pareja
On January 27, 2017, Reliable Controls Corporation participated in a roundtable discussion with Peru's Ambassador, Carlos Pareja. The event was hosted by the World Trade Association, the Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Salt Lake Chamber.

Reliable joined other members of the Utah business community and education leaders in the discussion. It was an honor to share our vision of Sustainable Development with this group of distinguished  community leaders. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to participate in this event and look forward to expanding our global presence! 
teamnews
WTA Sponsorship Dinner
Earlier this month, Reliable Controls Corporation and the World Trade Association of Utah joined together to host the first ever WTA Sponsorship Dinner. The event took place at the Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City. Guests included WTA Board Members and Utah businesses and organizations that are currently doing business internationally or are looking to expand into the global market. Our President and CEO, Ed Macha, gave a short presentation on the importance of world trade in natural resources, technology and sustainability. 

The World Trade Association of Utah's goal is to bring professionals together to promote, network and expand international trade and commerce. They coordinate monthly luncheons, seminars, workshops and other events to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and a learning opportunity for those interested in the international economy. We enjoyed working with the WTA of Utah on this event and look forward to working together again in the future! 
careerfairs
Tips for Preparation & Success
For Employers

1. Get the word out. Make sure people know you will be attending the career fair. Use social media to communicate what kind of people you're looking for and provide more insight to your company. 

2. Informational Hand-outs. Bring reference material about your company's specializations and culture. Handouts should be limited to one page so information can be easily referenced and easily taken away. 

3. Prepare questions. Prepare a few key questions in advance for your potential candidates. These pseudo-interviews will help pre-qualify applicants and give you insight to their skills, background and interest in the position. 

4. Marketing Material. Unique material will create a buzz around your booth and bring more candidates in. You don't want to rely entirely on your "swag," but it always helps to have something extra to make you stand out. 

5. Be engaging. Don't sit behind your booth. Stand in front of it and be welcoming. Show excitement in what you do. At this event, you're the face of the company and if you don't show interest in what you do, why should the attendees? 

6. Give an assignment. See how well your potential candidate follows directions! Have them follow-up via e-mail by a certain date, and have them include additional information and a recap of your conversation. 

For Candidates

1. Come Prepared. Do your research before the fair. Find out what employers are going to be there, narrow down the companies you are interested in and get to know their background and specializations. This will impress the representative and prove that you have genuine interest in their organization. 

2. Dress Appropriately. If you're looking for a profession, dress professionally. You don't want to be remembered has the candidate in pajama pants. Consider this the first interview of your future, and dress accordingly. 

3. Introduce Yourself. A firm handshake and your name is a good start, but you should also have a small pitch prepared. Try to make it company specific. Why are you interested in this particular organization, and what do you think you can offer them through your set of skills?

4. Ask the right questions. Do not ask about vacation time or starting pay. We understand these incentives are important in choosing employment, but a career fair is not the platform for these questions. Ask them about job opportunities, company culture and work environment, but do not ask questions that you should already know the answers to from your research. 

5. Do your homework. Don't be afraid to ask what the next step in the process is. The recruiter will likely tell you to follow-up. Be sure that you do, and be sure to follow instructions and provide any additional information they've requested.