Quantum Controls Ltd - A Leader in Electrical and Automation Solutions

Profile

Quantum Controls Ltd. was established as Slater Drive Systems in 1989. The name change in 2009 celebrated 20 years as one of the UK’s leading drives and motors specialists and signalled the company’s expansion over that period to offer an extensive range of auto-related products, systems and services.


Why choose Quantum Controls?


Quantum Controls expertise has been recognised by the worlds leading electrical and automation engineering company, ABB, which has appointed the company as one of only six exclusive UK partners for its motors and drives products.

As an engineering house, Quantum Controls has built up a formidable reputation for finding innovative solutions too many engineering challenges. This level of innovation has extended to other areas of the business. In 2000, the company devised hire drive service to meet the needs of companies wanting a temporary drive replacement during a breakdown or wishing to try before buying.


Quantum wins Energy Efficiency award


Quantum Controls has received an award for the way its drive solutions contribute to energy efficiency and low carbon emissions.

Managing Director of Quantum Controls, Kevin Brown, was presented with the first EEF/One North East Low Carbon Innovation Award at the ‘Delivering the Low Carbon Economy’ conference, organised by the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF).


Presenting the award, EEF CEO Gilbert Toppin, said: “The award recognises Quantum’s ability to grasp an opportunity, take risks and strive to pave way for their sector, and the industry as a whole, by creating profitable solutions to the global challenge of climate change.”

Quantum Controls has helped many companies cut their use and hence carbon emissions by installing ABB variable speed drives on numerous industrial applications throughout the United Kingdom.





Products


Variable speed drives


Low Voltage AC Drives
As ABB’s premier technical distributor for variable speed drives from 0.18 kW to 500 kW, Quantum Controls is one of Europe’s largest supplier of low voltage ABB drives and one of 12 UK strategically located technical partners known as the ABB Drives Alliance.


Quantum Controls provides:
Application design.
Supply from UK’s largest stock of low voltage AC drives.
Installation and commissioning to ABB recommendations by qualified engineers.
Comprehensive after-sales service and maintenance.
Supplier of specialist drives such as those for HVAC installations.




DC Drives
Complete range of DC converters intended for the supply and control of DC machines, in stand-alone or group drive systems with high performance and reliability specifications.

Range from 25 to 5,200 A DC up to 1,000V.
Available in a single bridge up to 5,200 A.
Ideal for users who need a powerful drive for demanding applications.
Ideal for use in composite systems with both AC and DC drives.



Low Voltage Motors
Quantum Controls is part of a national network of independent electric motor companies backed by ABB and known as the ABB Motor Service Partner network. The network provides low voltage AC motors, hazardous area motors and DC motors.


ATEX Certification
ABB is the only manufacturer to offer blanket certification on its range of hazardous area motors, meeting all current ATEX legislation on all motor frames for gas, dust and variable speed applications.


Automation-related Products

In addition to variable speed drives and motors, Quantum Controls offers the largest stockholding of automation-related products in the North-East of England, including:


Soft Starters
Quantum Controls offers three types of soft starters to cover every costumer need from 3 A to 1,810 A. The PST soft starter is based on the same easy-to-use concept as a mobile telephone. Using the four-button key-pad you can communicate with it…and get information back. And the PST speaks your own language, almost a dozen altogether. No coded messages on code letters or figures. Just east-to-understand words. The PST doesn’t only give you perfect motor control and protection. It also provides you with a perfect overview and perfect information.








Instrumentation
Process flow meters (primarily for measurement of steam, gases, liquids, compressed air).
Level control (radar, ultrasonic, conductivity).
Temperature transmitters and sensors.
Pressure transmitters and sensors.
Recorders – primarily videograhic (electronic) data recorders, plus a limited amount of paper chart.
Process controllers and indicators.
Actuators.
Positioners.


Analytical Equipment
pH/Reddox, zirconia oxygen.


Control Gear
Manual motor starters.
Local isolator c/w emergency stop boxes.
Miniature circuit breakers.
Moulded case circuit breakers.
Air circuit breakers.
Electronic relays.
Contactors.
Pushbuttons, lamps and switches.
Switches and fuse gear.


Uninterruptible Power Supplies
A range of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) is offered for the power protection of medium sized file servers, voice and data networks, communications cabinets and telephone switches.


Power Quality Filters
The ABB Power Quality Filter (PQF) offers unprecedented ability to clean the network from harmonics. The PQF actively eliminates the harmonics present in the supply system in a controlled way.







Electrical Contracting
Quantum’s engineers are experienced with a wide range of industrial installation situations. They can advise, maintain, inspect, service and extend legacy systems to bring them up to current standards and regulations.

The company’s extensive project management capability means entire projects can be handed over, confident that every element will be handed professionally and safely. Working patterns are tailored to exact requirements, thus minimising disruption to normal business operations.

Close liaison with a costumer’s nominated representative by Quantum’s directly employed qualified engineers and technicians, rigorous quality and safety procedures, forward planning; excellent customer service and continuous risk assessment ensure a trouble free contract.




Panel Building Services


Quantum Controls’ 20,000 sq ft premises offer an ideal base for manufacturing control panels of any size to exact specification and requirements within agreed timescales.


Quantum provides a bespoke, personal and quality service backed up by its engineers, sales and service departments along with fully qualified panel wiremen to ensure the highest standards and level of expertise in design, manufacture and installation of equipment. This is back up by 24/7 call out service to ensure that critical parts are always available.

Working from custom built manufacturing premises; Quantum has full in house design capabilities, test facilities and the latest CAD design software. It offer its clients custom built panels from small pump starter panels, bespoke drive systems to large motor control centres conforming to the latest industry standards. All backed by an ISO9001 Quality Management System ensuring full traceability throughout the entire project and a rigorous continuous improvement programme to ensure that it constantly improves its products.

All controls panels are built by fully qualified personnel to the highest standards in panel wiring and assembly with due regard being placed upon the ease of use and maintainability.


Applications cover a wide range of industries including water and waste water treatment, HVAC, building management systems, air handling units, utilities, pharmaceutical, chemical dosing, nuclear and airport facilities.

Control panels can include simple relay logic, PLC’s, variable speed drives, data acquisition, HMI and touch screen technology.

All control panels which contain busbar systems are A.S.T.A certified to BSEN60439 – 1 1999 with Form 1-4 separation.

Working closely with the client and understanding their requirements, followed by 100% visual and electrical test, ensures that the equipment which arrives on site is exactly as the client envisaged.

Quantum believes that this is the only achievable by investing in its biggest asset – its workforce. Developing an Investor in People (IIP) programme shows the company’s commitment to staff, to train and develop them. Ensuring they achieve their goals and aspirations. Working on product knowledge, workmanship standards, levels of service and good working relationships ensure that the client receives the best possible level of service throughout every stage of panel manufacture.






Industries


Quantum Controls’ highly skilled staff have vast experience in all fields including utilities, nuclear, HVAC, food and beverage, pulp & paper, mining & aggregate, chemical, oil & gas and pharmaceuticals.





Food & Beverage

Supplier to the food industry saves £80,000 per year with variable speed drives.


Challenge
A manufacturer supplying largely into the food industry approached Quantum Controls hire department to explore a possible DC to AC conversation on various plastic extruders. The manufacturer was facing annual electricity bills exceeding £600,000 and with electricity costs expected to continue to rise it was important that electricity costs were reduced to remain competitive.


Solution
Identify areas of high consumption.
Monitor DC system over a two week period.
Fit an AC drive and motor and monitor and record energy usage.
Compare the two systems in order to find the best one.


Benefits
25% saving with AC system.
Savings of £6,666 per month (over £80,000 annually).
Payback period less than 18 months.




Automation

Automotive trim company saves £10,000 annually with variable speed drives.


Challenge
An automotive trim manufacturer based in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne was facing spiralling energy prices which had risen 42% in the financial year. With energy prices continuing to rise the decision was taken to look at how energy efficiency could be implemented within the plant. The manufacturer contacted Quantum Controls’ hire department to discuss how energy costs could be reduced.



Solution
Site audit by trained engineers.
Identify areas of high energy consumption.
160 kW ABB variable speed drives.
Monitor energy consumption and compare to variable speed drive installation.


Benefits
Around 40% energy saving.
Saving of £10,000 per year.
Payback period less than 2 years.





Utilities

Northumbrian Water eliminates critical pressure using drives.


Challenge
Northumbrian Water was having difficulties with the rising main, which pumps sewage from Brown’s Point, at Cullercoats, North Tyneside to Howden Sewage Treatment Works at the mouth of the Tyne. Some of the sewage pipes were crackling due to excessive pressure. This was happening because the old pipes were corroded and powerful pressure surges caused by the sudden stopping and starting of pumps was putting them under extra strain.

With a capital investment programme several months away and no way of bringing it forward due to requirements to temporarily close Tyneside Metro light rail system, it was important that a temporary solution was found immediately.





Solution
Site audit to identify problem area.
Installed two 250 kW ABB drives to pumping stations.
Ramp speed of pumps up and down.



Benefits
Significant reduction in make-shift repairs.
Virtually eliminated system leaks.
Less hydraulic pressure on the system.
Cost reductions.




HVAC

Hospital HVAC control with ABB drive delivers significant energy savings.


Challenge
A UK hospital was experiencing high energy bills die to energy consumption from its HVAC system. Throughout the building drives were running motors at full speed 24 hours a day. The hospital needed to lower its cost significantly but without disrupting the function of the building and within a tight budget.



Solution
Quantum Controls’ engineers were brought in to look at the system.
Advanced building control system with heat recovery function.
Installation of 62 ABB drives (2.2 – 37 kW).


Benefits
Significant cost reductions.
Energy savings 18,440 kWh/year.
CO2 reductions 9,220 kg/year.
Improved pressure control of the fans and accurate air balance.
Reducing noise and less drafts.
Improving temperature control.

Lifecycle Services


Field service engineers with experience throughout many industries and utilities aim to maximise the profit of your assets by maintaining high availability, eliminating unplanned repair costs and extending drive lifetime.



Pre-purchase



Energy Audit
The increasing interest in AC drives is partly due to a greater awareness of energy issues and rising energy prices. Quantum Controls offers energy audits, free of charge that can rapidly determine just where and how much energy can be saved. Power savings up to 50 per cent can be reached by reducing the motor speed by just 20 per cent, with payback as short as six months.


Harmonic Survey
Quantum Controls collects data on harmonic currents and voltages interfering with the electricity supply network and details actions to minimise them.


Selection and Dimensioning
Whatever the application, Quantum Controls’ vast experience will help in the correct selection and dimensioning of the drive, motor or instrumentation.


Hire
Variable speed drives and soft-starters up to 800 kW, available nationwide
· Hiring drives is ideal for providing a replacement in the event of a breakdown.
· Variable speed drives.
- Drives are pre-programmed to suit the customer’s application, so when it arrives on site they need only be connected to the supply and motor to start working.
- Same day delivery compared to 4 weeks lead time for a new drive.


Try Before You Buy
· Can test viability of a drive in a new process or potential energy savings before making a decision to purchase, reducing the risk of investing in a new, unproven application.
· Clean water and sludge type flow meters – up to 300 mm.
· Ultrasonic level sensing devices.
· Transformers.
· Motors.
· Switchgear.




Order and Delivery

Instant availability
- Drives – largest stock of variable speed AC drives in Europe.
- Motors – largest stock of low voltage AC motors in Europe.
Ordering
- Selected drives and motors can be purchased at www.quantum-controls.co.uk
- Telephone: 07811 459820 – 24 hours a day.
- Email sales@quantum-controls.co.uk
Delivery
- Same delivery, subject to small charge.




Installation and Commissioning



Professional Start-up Service
Quantum Controls’ professional start-up service uses certified engineers to install and adjust a variable speed AC drive according to the application requirements, as well as to instruct the user on how to operate the drive. All start-up information and the production parameters are saved, should the engineer need to restore any information at a later date.






Operation and Maintenance
Quantum Controls recommends regular preventive maintenance throughout the lifetime of its key product offering. Maintaining the products in accordance with the maintenance schedules, ensures maximum availability, minimum repair costs, optimized performance and extended lifetime.

Maintenance can be performed on a contract basis. Preventive maintenance (PM) of drives, for example, consists of annual drive inspections and component replacements according to the product specific maintenance schedules using PM kits, which contain all the service parts and materials defined for a certain preventive maintenance.




Drive Service Workshops, Maintenance and Repair Service
Instead of performing maintenance or repair on site, drives or modules can be sent to Quantum Controls’ service workshop. It is often practical to perform preventive maintenance at the same time.




Spares and Repairs
· Fully equipped in-house repair facility includes:
- Repairs to all makes of variable speed drives and soft starter.
- Repairs backed by 12 month warranty.
- Maximum 5-day repair turn around.
- Guaranteed spares stock holding for ABB drives.


Genuine ABB factory-certified drive parts are delivered quickly worldwide. They guarantee full compatibility and are available throughout the drive lifetime.



Upgrade and Retrofit
Drives upgrade and retrofit offerings are designed for improved performance and extending the lifecycle, resulting in the best possible return on your drive assets.

· Reconditioned motors, drives, transformers and switchgear
- Quantum Controls supplies reconditioned equipment including motors up to 3,500 kW, transformers and switchgear – all available from stock, refurbished and supplied with a full 12 month warranty.


Replacement and Recycling
Quantum Controls’ replacement drive scheme provides a correctly dimensioned drive, while disposing of old equipment. The scheme covers any drive or motor, regardless of the original manufacturer.


Training
· Dedicated training facilities are a feature of Quantum Controls.
· Certified courses are available covering total product familiarisation including design, programming, application know-how, software support tools, start-up procedures, fault-finding etc.


Contracts
Over 50 existing bespoke service contracts with large blue chip companies and utilities.
Serviced around the clock, each contract is individually tailored to meet the client’s requirements and serviced by Quantum’s experienced team of field service engineers.






Partners


Quantum Controls has selected the world’s best electrical and automation companies to be its partner.


Including among the blue-chip names are:

ABB – Drives, motors, soft starters and control gear.
Rockwell – PLC systems.
Siemens – Instrumentation.


ABB Drives Alliance
Quantum Controls is a founder member of ABB Drives Alliance, a network of 12 strategically located technical distributors for ABB drives.


ABB Motor Service Partner
Quantum Controls is a founder member of the ABB Motor Service Partner network – a group of independent motor service specialists strategically located throughout the UK and backed by the world’s largest motor manufacturer, ABB.


Siemens Instrumentation Technology Partner
From flow meters, level controllers, recorders, transmitters and sensors, as a Technology Partner for Instrumentation, Quantum Controls can meet all your instrumentation needs.




Rockwell Automation System Integrator
An established Systems Integrator with proven expertise in applying Rockwell Automation control products across multiple industry applications. Systems integration staff are highly experienced in projects involving the following industrial automation product categories:

Programmable controllers.
Information and device networks.
I/O systems.
Logic software.
Operator interface hardware & software.
Variable speed drives.
Standard industrial control.