Flow Control Expertise Where It Counts: How MCE Fills the Technical Skills Gap and Improves Production

Can’t find the engineers or skilled techs you need? MCE can help.

From ethanol plants to refineries and water treatment systems, the need for skilled valve, control, and instrumentation technicians is growing — but the talent pool is shrinking fast. Critical systems go unmonitored. Preventive maintenance is delayed. Compliance and safety are put at risk. Many plants are left without the in-house technical knowledge needed to operate efficiently.

That’s where MCE Flow Control comes in. We don’t just supply components — we supply expertise. Across our divisions, we bring in-depth knowledge, hands-on support, and field-proven solutions that close your technical staffing gap and keep your operations moving.

Process Optimization Authorities

No two ethanol plants operate the same way, but all of them rely on precise control to maintain yield and efficiency. This takes calibrated instrumentation and teams that know how to leverage process design to heighten efficiency.

MCE fills the gap by providing a depth of engineering and technical knowledge to every engagement. Our work improves performance at the system level, helping plants get more from their assets without hiring additional employees or overextending current staff.

Core Expertise:

  • Optimization consulting for ethanol operations
  • Equipment upgrades and controls integration
  • Commissioning, calibration, and onsite training
  • Digital transformation and industrial internet of things (IIoT) guidance

With decades of experience and long-standing ties to original plant designers, our teams bring unmatched insight into what works and what doesn’t in ethanol facilities. We help elevate the skills of onsite personnel and guide entire process improvements.

Examples in Action

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  • Ethanol Industry Buildout Cornered 80% of the Market: MCE supplied and commissioned automation systems for most of the dry grind plants built during the ethanol boom. They earned over 80 percent of major project awards.
  • Training Over 700 Technicians: Through Biofuels Automation University, our teams have trained more than 700 technicians, helping plants maintain systems more effectively.
  • Onsite Startup Support Specialists: Our specialists guide calibration, troubleshooting, and training throughout startup phases during large-scale retrofits and additions.

Filtration and Valve Specialists

Contamination, valve failures, or system inefficiencies can slow or halt production. MCE fills the gap by working closely with plant personnel to identify and rectify issues, preventing them from recurring.

Core Expertise:

  • Engineered filtration solutions
  • Valve and actuator system design
  • Contamination control troubleshooting
  • Custom skid assemblies and field service

Examples in Action

  • Customized Paint Filtration: Parker filtration solution improved paint consistency and reduced clogging and downtime.
  • Valve Selection for Paint Manufacturer: MCE’s guidance ensured smooth startup and long-term reliability.
  • Ongoing Issue Resolution: Trusted for resolving recurring valve issues in paint and chemical facilities.

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Pump and Valve Troubleshooters

Valve Repair and AutomationWhen a valve or pump fails, our team can step in and fill the gap with on-demand inventory and field-proven expertise.

Core Expertise:

  • Relief valve and chemical injection system support
  • Engineered pump skids and troubleshooting
  • Mobile inventory and emergency repair
  • Field assessments and documentation

Examples in Action

  • Same-Day Emergency Relief Valve Replacement: MCE restored production immediately on a high-producing well pad.
  • Extended Life for Offshore Platforms: Supported flow control updates to avoid costly overhauls.
  • Inventory Support in West Texas: Deployed stocked trailers to remote sites to eliminate downtime.

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Turnaround and Calibration Pros

Our flow control team fills the gap during planned or emergency repairs by bringing tools, parts, and skills to keep turnarounds on track.

Core Expertise:

  • Valve rebuilds and field instrumentation calibration
  • Turnaround planning and execution
  • Onsite mobile trailers and teams
  • Documentation for audits and regulatory compliance

Examples in Action

  • Power Plant Recovery in 24 Hours: Restored operations after a transmitter failure.
  • Overnight Emergency Refinery Support: Replacement instrumentation was installed overnight to maintain compliance.
  • 24/7 Full Turnaround Coverage: Planned and executed repairs to keep the production schedule on track.

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Filtration Experts and Emergency Response

Our integrated teams at MCE bring rapid response and filtration expertise to facilities that can’t afford downtime.

Core Expertise:

  • Industrial process filtration systems
  • Emergency rental vessels and equipment
  • Filter refurbishment and repair services
  • Onsite consignment inventory and Zone Store setups
  • Custom media selection consulting

Examples in Action

  • Emergency Rental Deployment: Helped a refinery maintain production with a fast-delivered rental vessel.
  • Up to 50% Cost Savings: Customized refurbishment of radial fin filters saved major costs.
  • Zone Store Inventory Success: Ensured stock levels and availability for a plastics plant.

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Instrumentation and Compliance Experts

Swanson-Flo-Butterfly-Valve-Disc-CloseupOur MCE team assists by providing complex commissioning and compliance expertise.

Core Expertise:

  • Instrumentation startup and calibration
  • Wireless systems for automation and monitoring
  • Environmental and flow measurement studies
  • Compliance support and documentation

Examples in Action

  • Wireless Upgrades for Wastewater: Replaced manual valves with wireless systems to reduce costs and improve monitoring.
  • Fuel Terminal Flow Measurement: Ensured accuracy and regulatory compliance in blending operations.
  • Municipal Wastewater Billing: Enabled accurate billing and revenue recovery via high-accuracy meters.

Related:

  • When You Don’t Have an Instrumentation Engineer, MCE Can Help

Instrumentation Fulfillment & Calibration Specialists

MCE is a trusted name in instrumentation fulfillment, rapid calibration, and custom product solutions.

Core Expertise:

  • Pressure and temperature instrumentation for critical applications
  • In-house calibration, assembly, and laser marking services
  • Instrumentation sourcing and consulting
  • Deep inventory of hard-to-find gauges

Examples in Action:

  • Instrumentation Rescue for Automotive Supplier: Resolved product compatibility issues through OEM consultation.
  • Government & Fire Department Support: Delivered calibrated pressure gauges with same-day turnaround.
  • Pharma Industry Win: Secured new business with compliant documentation and fast delivery after a competitor failed.

Fill in Your Technical and Engineering Gap with MCE

When qualified technical staff are hard to find, MCE Flow Control steps in with deep expertise, reliable service, and a commitment to solving problems.

We don’t walk away after installation. Instead, we embed long-term value by refining system performance and solving problems others overlook. Our teams train operators and provide backup when needed.

NOTE: Read the latest Flow Control news on our Resources Page.

When skilled techs are scarce, MCE steps in.

Contact MCE to connect with the right Flow Control partner for your plant, process, or project.

 

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