As an example of how international engineering and performance standards can be applied to improving ship technology and functionality, the LNG bunkering vessel M/T Coralius is a fitting case.  Owned by Sirius Shipping and the Anthony Veder Group and chartered by Skangas (now Gasum), the Coralius, which completed her first bunkering operation in September 2017, contributes to an LNG infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region while boasting a fuel transfer system technology that is truly state-of-the-art.

Formed in 1978 the ASTM’s Committee F25 on Ships and Marine Technology still plays a pivotal role in developing new standards for the entire maritime industry and currently has jurisdiction over 100 standards. ASTM International works to improve the lives of millions so when it became clear that there were insufficient standards and inconsistencies in the construction of LNG bunkering hose systems it was inevitable that the marine industry would turn to them for guidance.

It might be at the time new technologies emerge in areas where there are incomplete knowledge and understanding. It could be when persistent problems reveal deficiencies in current system designs and field operating practices. Or, it might arise when a lack of comprehensive and universal standards is causing work inefficiencies – so much so that companies are needing to “reinvent the wheel” with each new customer application.

In honor of Manufacturing Day, Dixon offers insight into our own history as a U.S. manufacturer. We’re proud of our history and hope you’ll take the time to learn something new about us!

By employing Dixon’s intake manifolds, a Well Services company overcame catastrophic failures to its hydraulic fracturing fluid-ends, preventing costly operational downtime and repairs.

The situation:

Hydraulic fracturing operations are intense and time critical. The need for continuous and uninterrupted flow from the myriad high-pressure pump units within the “hot zone” near the well head allows little room for equipment failures.

As vice president of sales and marketing at Dixon, Scott Jones is tasked with promoting the company’s products to a global marketplace. One of Dixon’s most significant advantages over the competition, he says, is the company’s longtime emphasis on educating its distributor customers on how to properly assemble, use and re-sell its products. “We really look at training as being one of the key differentiators that we can provide to our distributors,” says Jones, who has worked at Dixon for more than 30 years. “It’s a priority for me.”

Hydraulic flow can be defined as the volume of fluid that flows through a surface area during a specific period of time. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, it turns out there’s more to it than meets the eye. In this post, we will explain the basics and offer several solutions to overcome the challenges you may have faced in your applications. 

What makes a specialty contractor special? As opposed to a general contractor, a specialty contractor is someone who concentrates on one particular area of construction, such as plasterwork, site preparation, plumbing, or electrical work. Specialty contractors are often hired by general contractors and project managers for a certain level of expertise on the worksite. Many specialty contractors have received extensive training in their field of practice and must be licensed in the state in which they work. You are likely familiar with a variety of specialty contractors, but here are five that may be new to you:

The construction industry is constantly evolving. New technologies, consumer demand, availability and cost of raw materials, and the economy at large all play a role in influencing the field from one year to the next. So, what’s in store for the months ahead? We asked Dixon Regional Sales Manager Chris Jarman to pick a few trends he sees currently shaping the industry.

The world’s most popular chicken nugget, McDonald’s Chicken McNugget, was introduced in 1983, and comes in 4 standard shapes: the bell, boot, ball, and bone. Next time you order from the drive through, take a look in the box and see if you can find all 4 shapes.