PECM Issue 43 2020 | Page 110
FLUID HANDLING
Weighing the benefits of a loading
arm over traditional hose assemblies
One of Dixon’s newest product developments
is our loading arm which can be configured
and built to a customer’s specification. Dixon’s
loading arms are engineered for long life
performance as well as ease of use in the field
and can be used to overcome some of the
typical issues and complications faced in the
transfer of liquids.
Loading arms are becoming the standard choice
over hoses for certain applications in refineries,
chemical plants, food & beverage processing
plants, rail terminals and truck terminals. There
are many variables involved in making the
decision to purchase a loading arm. They can
be based on application, material, location,
site limitations, etc. Safety should always be
considered first when protecting your most
important asset, your employees. Is a loading
arm actually a safer option than a standard hose
assembly? It is important to review key factors
and examine the impact on safety when looking
to make a choice between the two.
The design of the Dixon loading arm
incorporates an additional safety factor by
having a steel housing for the Counterbalance
torsion spring rather than the conventional
plastic housing for better durability and long
life performance. The unique counterbalance
adjustment mechanism allows the torsion spring
to be safely adjusted easily and quickly without
having to remove the housing.
REPETITIVE TASKS
Are the tasks being performed repetitive? A
loading arm will be mounted and have a distinct
range of motion. A hose can be maneuvered
more flexibly, although this movement is
typically done by having an employee drag
the hose around manually. If the location
of the connection point involves consistent
location, such as at a fuel terminal, a loading
arm application would be the best choice. This
application will last longer than a standard
hose assembly due to the loading arm being
suspended where it can not drag on the ground
like a hose can. Many times a hose that is used
on a consistent basis can only last weeks or
months while a loading arm can last years or
even tens of years with proper maintenance.
ENVIRONMENT
Are your hoses causing a tripping hazard?
Are employees constantly having to step over
or go around the hose assembly? A loading
arm removes these hazards because they are
mounted off the ground. They can be articulated
into a folded position, out of the way to provide
a cleaner, less-hazardous environment. Are your
hoses continuously
being dragged? This
can cause hoses
to wear and burst,
causing a spill. If the
media is potentially
hazardous this could be even more serious than
a minor spill clean up.
IN CONCLUSION
When choosing between a hose assembly or
a loading arm, always examine the three topics
above before making your decision. There are
many other factors involved, but these three
topics can be a quick indicator when studying
the safety aspect of your decision.
The best way to make an informed decision is
to discuss your specific applications and needs
with a market specialist. Loading arms are
offered in various custom configurations and can
be supplied as complete turnkey assemblies
or individual components. Dixon are always
ready to help you make an informed decision
and select the right connection As part of its
vast portfolio Dixon manufactures liquid and
dry material transfer products for use within the
transportation sector such as railcar connectors,
cam and groove, overfill protection, level
sensing equipment, drop elbows, API fittings and
valves.
T: +44 (0) 1772 323529 | E: [email protected]
Dixon Loading Arm & Accessories
Quality components, efficient design
Overcome some of the typical issues
and complications faced in the
transfer of liquids with Dixon’s new
loading arm.
•
•
•
Configured and built to a customer’s
specification
Innovative counterbalance mechanism
Easily maintained and adjusted
Reques
t
our
brochu
re
+44 (0)1772 323 529 • dixoneurope.co.uk •
©2019 Dixon Group Europe Limited
• T EC HNICAL EXPERTISE • UNCO M M O N EXCEL L ENCE • DESIG N • CUSTOME R S E RV ICE • INNOVATION • MA NUFA CTURING • QUA LITY • TE CHNICA L E X P E RTI SE •
110
PECM Issue 43