Atlas Copco Compressors LLC has promoted Brian Bertelsen to general manager for StraightFlo valves. Bertelsen formerly served as senior vice president sales & marketing.
In his new role, Bertelsen will lead continued growth for the business worldwide, spearhead technological development, and oversee all operations for the company’s StraightFlo valves manufacturing and operations center in Houston. Bertelsen has more than 30 years of leadership experience, previously serving as president of NEAC Compressor Service USA for Neuman & Esser Group, vice president of sales and marketing for CDI Energy Products, and senior machinery reliability engineer for Eastman Chemical Company.
Bertelsen earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Atlas Copco Group acquired Zahroof Valves Inc. (Zahroof) in 2024 (see “Atlas Copco Group Acquires Zahroof Valves,” April 2024 Gas Compression Magazine, p, 26). The company’s StraightFlo valve is a drop-in replacement compressor valve that is made up of replaceable reed valve modules designed so that the gas flows essentially in a straight line through the valve. The StraightFlo valve has a design where several standard and interchangeable modules are held stationary between the valve seat and carrier.
Following the acquisition, Zahroof became part of Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique Business Area, operating under Atlas Copco Compressors LLC as Atlas Copco StraightFlo Valves.
