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Benshaw soft starters are designed from the ground up to perform dependably … even in the harshest industrial environments. We offer best-in-class solutions for continuous duty applications, hazardous locations/conditions, corrosive environments and high vibration operations.
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Benshaw provides a wide range of standard controls and drives for many industries, offering tailored solutions for even the most complex applications.
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Whether you need hands-on training, 24/7 troubleshooting, field service, or upgrade assistance, our experts are here to keep your operations running smoothly.
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Benshaw has grown to become a recognized leader in the design, development and manufacture of mission critical motor controls and drives.
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Benshaw's resources include an extensive document library, newsletter, FAQs, and case studies.
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Need help? Reach a Benshaw representative or local office for sales, service, or support. For urgent issues, use our technical support hotline.
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Applied Motor Controls for

Oil, Gas & Chemicals

Driving Industrial Performance

From oil & gas refineries to chemical plants, reliable motor-driven equipment is at the heart of every process. AC induction motors power a wide range of critical machines: pumps, compressors, mixers, conveyors, and more; ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous operation. With deep experience in motor control and automation, we help our customers select, design, and optimize the right solutions for demanding industrial environments.

Benshaw Industries Oil Gas & Chemicals

Applications

Select a machine to learn more
Pumps
Compressors
Mixers/Agitators
Centrifuges
Blowers/Fans

Soft Starter and VFD controllers can improve the pumping processes within the oil, gas & chemicals industry, no matter the pump type, including:

  • Centrifugal Pumps
  • Positive Displacement Pumps
  • Gear Pumps
  • Diaphragm Pumps
  • Peristaltic Pumps
  • Submersible Pumps
  • Slurry Pumps

If you're looking for the right setup for your site, get in touch with our team and we'll help you find the best solution for your specific needs

Benshaw Oil Gas & Chemicals - Pumps

Soft Starter and VFD controllers can improve the various compression processes within the oil, gas & chemical industry, including:

  • Reciprocating Compressors
  • Rotary Screw Compressors
  • Centrifugal Compressors
  • Scroll Compressors
  • Portable Compressors
  • High-Pressure Compressors
  • Mine Air / Process Gas Compressors

If you're looking for the right setup for your site, get in touch with our team, and we'll help you find the best solution for your specific needs.

Benshaw Oil Gas & Chemicals - Compressors

Soft Starter and VFD controllers can improve the various mixing & agitation processes within the oil, gas & chemical industry, including:

  • Top-Entry Agitators
  • Side-Entry Agitators
  • Bottom-Entry Agitators
  • Propeller Mixers
  • Turbine Mixers
  • Anchor Mixers

If you're looking for the right setup for your site, get in touch with our team, and we'll help you find the best solution for your specific needs.

Benshaw Oil Gas & Chemicals - Mixers

Soft Starter and VFD controllers can improve the various centrifugation processes within the oil, gas & chemical industry, including:

  • Decanter Centrifuges
  • Solid-Bowl Centrifuges
  • Peeler Centrifuges
  • Disc Stack Centrifuges

If you're looking for the right setup for your site, get in touch with our team, and we'll help you find the best solution for your specific needs.

Benshaw Oil Gas & Chemicals - Centrifuges

Soft Starter and VFD controllers can improve airflow processes within the oil, gas & chemical industry, no matter the blower or fan type, including:

  • Centrifugal Fans
  • Axial Fans
  • Exhaust Fans
  • Cooling Fans
  • Dust Extraction Fans
  • Process Gas Blowers

If you're looking for the right setup for your site, get in touch with our team, and we'll help you find the best solution for your specific needs.

Benshaw Oil Gas & Chemicals - Fans

Packaged just how you need it

LV and MV Motor control products engineered to suit your environment.

e-house installation
TOUCH
Chassis Products
Chassis Products
  • Starters
  • Variable Frequency Drives
  • Contactors & Circuit Breakers
  • Overloads & Motor Protection Devices
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Enclosed Systems
Enclosed Systems
  • Standalone
  • Motor Control Line Ups
  • Arc Fault Panels
1738614350583
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Outdoor Ready
Outdoor Ready
  • Weather protected
  • Skids
  • Containerized

Case Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment benefits from Benshaw VFDs and soft starters in oil, gas, and chemical facilities?

Benshaw drives and soft starters are commonly applied to pumps, compressors, blowers, fans, and centrifuge motors used across exploration, extraction, transportation, storage, and chemical processing operations. They provide precise motor control, improve energy efficiency, and reduce mechanical wear.

How do soft starters improve operations in oil, gas, and chemical plants?

Soft starters provide gentle acceleration of motors, reducing mechanical stress caused by abnormal conditions such as worn couplings, broken belts, or blocked pipes. This helps eliminate costly downtime, extend equipment life, and enhance overall reliability.

Can soft starters reduce starting current in remote or critical locations? Yes. Soft starters lower inrush current requirements, which is particularly useful in offshore oil rigs, isolated pumping stations, and chemical plants with sensitive electrical systems.
How do VFDs support energy efficiency and process control? VFDs allow motors to operate only at the speed required for the process, optimizing energy usage for pumps, compressors, fans, and other motor-driven equipment. This improves operational efficiency and reduces operating costs.
Are Benshaw drives suitable for harsh industrial environments? Benshaw offers drives and soft starters designed for challenging conditions common in oil, gas, and chemical facilities. Specific ratings and compliance vary across products.
How do soft starters enhance operational safety?

By providing smooth acceleration and controlled starts, soft starters reduce mechanical stress on motors and equipment, preventing failures and improving safety in critical operations.

Can VFDs support variable flow and pressure control in oil and chemical processes?

Yes. VFDs adjust motor speed dynamically to maintain required flow or pressure, improving efficiency and reducing energy costs in pipelines and processing units.

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