// Case studies

Projects with measurable results

Representative examples of the kind of project we deliver in Panama and the region. The figures show the order of magnitude of the results we deliver; for confidentiality we do not identify our clients.

Industrial refrigeration · Food 2025

Retrofit of 40 variable frequency drives at an industrial refrigeration plant

Leading food processing cold storage plant — Panama City

40
VFDs modernized
4.2%
Energy savings
~28 h/yr
Unplanned downtime avoided
6 wk
Total time

Challenge

The plant was running 40 Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 40 drives more than 12 years old. Frequent drive trips on the ammonia compressors, no way to source genuine spare parts, and unplanned downtime that kept growing.

Beiton solution

We selected the VLT AutomationDrive FC-302 as the equivalent replacement, adapted the panels (different footprint), migrated the parameter set reproducing the compressor curves, ran FAT testing at the Beiton workshop and commissioned in 4-hour windows per panel to keep the operational impact to a minimum. Full integration into DrivePulse.

Result

The work was completed in 6 weeks with no impact on production. 6 months on, zero unplanned trips. Verified energy savings of 4.2% from the higher efficiency of the new drives.

We had spent years stretching spare parts that were impossible to find. Beiton gave us an orderly way out, without stopping production beyond the windows we had agreed on.
— Maintenance Manager — Food processing plant

Products used

  • VLT AutomationDrive FC-302
  • Class B RFI filters
  • Shielded cable

Services delivered

  • Applied engineering
  • Retrofit
  • Commissioning (SAT)
  • DrivePulse
Read the full case study
Commercial HVAC · Hospitality 2025

IEEE 519 audit at a 5-star hotel

International hotel chain — Panamá Pacífico

US$35K
Investment avoided
10 days
Measurement period
✓ Compliant
IEEE 519 compliance
18
Events identified

Challenge

A 200-room hotel was reporting sporadic UPS trips and flicker in its LED lighting. Maintenance management suspected harmonics from the chillers and the pump VFDs. They needed an independent diagnosis before investing in filters.

Beiton solution

10-day Class A measurement with a Fluke 1777 at the main service entrance (480 V) and at the chiller panel. Analysis under IEEE 519-2022 and EN 50160 plus ITIC classification. Identification of the real source of the events.

Result

The report established that harmonics were NOT the origin — the root cause was transients from the utility supply at three specific times of day. We recommended only a local conditioner for the critical UPS units instead of the full active filter that had been budgeted. Investment avoided: ~US$35,000.

We had budgeted an active filter at USD 35,000. Beiton measured with their own Fluke 1777 and showed the problem was not on our side — they saved us the investment and proposed a targeted fix.
— Chief Engineer — International hotel chain

Products used

  • Fluke 1777 (Beiton instrumentation)
  • 22-section Word report

Services delivered

  • Power Quality Analysis
  • IEEE 519-2022 consulting
Read the full case study
Drinking water and sanitation 2024

Automation of a drinking water treatment plant

Municipal utility — interior of the country

22%
Energy savings
~120
Labor hours freed up per month
4
Brands integrated
0
Overpressure incidents

Challenge

The plant pumped raw water under manual control. The operator had to adjust valves and starters according to the elevated tank's demand. Wasted energy and equipment wear from direct-on-line starting.

Beiton solution

4 VLT AQUA Drive FC-202 units in master-follower cascade, 2 Samson 3241 control valves with 3730-3 positioners, a UWT NivoRadar level radar on the elevated tank, a Siemens S7-1200 PLC with a Comfort Panel HMI and SCADA integration. Operator training and an annual preventive maintenance contract.

Result

Fully automated operation. A 22% reduction in pumping energy consumption. Zero overpressure incidents since commissioning. Real-time data available to the management team.

We went from 100 % manual operation to SCADA with cascade control, on the schedule we were promised. For our people the key part was the training in the field, not just the equipment delivery.
— Operations Manager — Municipal water utility

Products used

  • VLT AQUA Drive FC-202
  • Samson 3241 + 3730-3 positioner
  • UWT NivoRadar NR 7200
  • Siemens S7-1200 + Comfort Panel

Services delivered

  • Applied engineering
  • Multi-brand integration
  • Commissioning
  • Training
  • PM contract
Read the full case study

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