TIP 9: Sometimes Simpler is Better

While smart valves and digital controllers can offer ways to save, it's also sometimes possible to save by reducing the level of technology. For example, "one great way to save money is to substitute a self-operated temperature control valve for a temperature control loop," says Al Stahler, regional sales manager, Richards Industries. "The valve operates on a simple bulb and capillary sensor that will open and close the valve to maintain the set point temperature."

As a result, "You avoid the cost of a controller and the cost of a thermal ?couple with the associated wiring. But more than that, you avoid the cost of installing electrical and pneumatic lines. If your temperature control need is remotely located this can be a substantial savings," Stahler says.

Lutkewitte has a similar idea: "To reduce capital expense on liquid or gas process projects, use a low-droop pressure regulator instead of a more expensive pressure control loop... for pressure control."

TIP 10: Don't Panic

No matter how bad the economy may seem at the moment, remember that a recovery will come; we just don't know when. But while we wait for that recovery, we can try to avoid either being blindsided or panicked by events.

To keep from being blindsided, Knox says it's wise to "know your customers and stay on top of what's happening in the market, so you're as far ahead of the curve as possible." In addition, watch what's happening with your customers and their competitors, he adds, because the last thing you want to do is to wake up one morning and find out your most important customer just declared bankruptcy.

Also, don't decide that the end of the world is at hand so you must dump all your people, because you will need them again. As Cordell, says, "If you work hard to find people, to train people, and you work hard to retain them in a real up market, then you hold on to those people in a down market." You'll likely find that if you keep faith with employees during the bad times, they'll keep faith with you when the good times come again.

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Peter Cleaveland, a contributing editor to Valve Magazine, has extensive experience writing about the flow control industry. Reach him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .