Storm clouds. Shuffling feet on a carpet. A chemical hose in use. What do these three things have in common? They all have the capability of producing static electricity.

Air is used as an energy source in almost every type of industry. It is an extremely efficient form of energy and is relatively inexpensive. It is easy to regulate and, when used with the proper equipment, is easy to clean and can be delivered relatively free of moisture, if necessary. Air, as it exists all around us, is at atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch. When it is used as an energy source, it is compressed and delivered through a piping system or air hose to tool or other piece of equipment at pressures many times higher than atmospheric. When the air is released at the tool and returns to atmospheric pressure, it does so with explosive force. Air hose and air hose fittings are designed to deliver that force with a high degree of reliability and, when properly selected and applied, do just that.

Crimping has become the preferred method for creating hose assemblies over the last few years as it should; with less tooling required and a more accurate finished diameter why would you expect anything else?  However, with any new process comes the discovery of how to optimize the process to be the most effective and efficient. With that in mind, we want to offer a few quick tips to enhance the process of crimping in the best way possible. 

When petroleum prices dropped to new lows in 2014, the technology used in hydraulic fracturing equipment was destined to evolve with productivity gains. On the low-pressure side, blenders, hydration systems, acidizing units, chemical additive units and missile trailers needed to be more efficient. For example, these machines traditionally consist of multiple components that are fabricated by using a combination of welding and threading, which are then installed on the equipment only to develop leaks in the harsh environment of slurry transfer.  As Dixon became engaged with these challenges, our engineers designed and produced one-piece products that lasted longer in these applications.

Not many years ago, cryogenics – the production and behavior of materials at very low temperatures – was likely to be understood by a group of people with specialized knowledge in fields like aerospace.

In the cryogenic environment, often it’s confronting challenges in the field – literally – that leads to new answers and new solutions.

As a recent example illustrates, one of Dixon’s customers was experiencing problems while using bunkering connections during the transfer of liquefied natural gas. Technical specialists from Dixon were called to the scene to witness the next bunkering operation and assess the situation.

The Dixon Innovation Center in Chestertown, MD is one of the few places in the world where research on products and systems for cryogenic service is happening. A specially designed cryogenic workstation at the Center allows for R&D testing and repair in environments that replicate those encountered “real-life” in the field. The workstation uses liquid nitrogen to test product designs – a substance that is even colder than liquefied natural gas.

Quick disconnect couplings can fail without warning! Prior to the operation of quick coupling products, be sure to inspect and replace worn out fittings and safety devices. If a leak is detected during operation, release the pressure from the circuit before investigating the cause of the fluid leak. Do not use your fingers or skin to check for leaks, high pressure leaks of fluids can easily penetrate the skin and can cause serious injury or death.

 The US Chemical Safety Board released a case study which examines a mixture of incompatible materials at the MGPI Processing Plant. The mixture resulted in a chemical release that traveled into the community containing chlorine and other compounds. 

An excerpt from the CSB findings: 

We often under appreciate the slow and steady pace required to properly surface a road when surrounded by orange barrels and honking horns. When dealing with thick substances, such as tar, spraying it can be a long, tedious task.  There are certainly ways of speeding up the process, however, all come at a cost.