Victoria, Texas, February 17, 2003: Allied Aggregates, a support division of Allied Concrete in Texas, recently purchased a 16" x 14" Shark Class dredge from Dredging Supply Company. Matt Connor, General Manager of Allied Aggregates, explained this was Allied Aggregate's first new dredge. The new Shark Class dredge is used to mine sand and gravel for the Ready Mix division of Allied Concrete. "We were referred to Dredging Supply Company (DSC) by a consultant and a company in Victoria, Texas which had previously done business with DSC," said Connor. Allied Aggregates personnel were readily impressed with Dredging Supply Company when they visited the manufacturing facility in Louisiana.
Like Allied Aggregates, DSC is a family-run business. Connor said, "Being a family-run business means a lot to us. DSC has certainly provided personal attention." "DSC is distinguished from the competition by three key factors," continued Connor. "First, personal attention. Second, attention to detail is unmatched. For example, the safety features which are standard on DSC dredges are impressive to the Mining Safety and Health regulations. Third, DSC provided training over and above what any other company would give."
Regarding training, it is important to recognize that Allied Aggregates had never dredged before. DSC provided hands-on computer training utilizing a simulator, as well as classroom training. Dwayne Blair, Allied Aggregates operator, and Connor stayed at DSC for one week to receive this complimentary training, which was quite extensive. "When we left, we were ready to dig! The entire experience was pleasant and went very well," said Connor of the training.
Allied Aggregates' Shark Class dredge was launched March 14, 2003. To further illustrate the personal attention, DSC provided engineers on site at Allied Aggregates for start-up. DSC ran through the entire engine test again in situ to verify all measurements were accurate. These tests were in addition to the engine tests Caterpillar ran.
Yet another example of personal attention is that DSC sent a mechanic to supervise dredge assembly. The DSC Shark Class dredge arrived in four sections. With two Allied Aggregates employees and the supervising DSC mechanic, the dredge was launched in only three days. On the first day, the sections were offloaded. The second day was spent assembling the Shark and on the third day, Allied Aggregates launched the Shark dredge!
During the process of building and specifying the Allied Aggregates Shark, DSC made a few recommendations. The recommendations Allied Aggregates followed, and with which they are quite pleased, include the Doppler flow meter and the "Maximizer" suction relief valve. DSC recommended the Doppler flow meter because of its simplicity and measuring capabilities. "We are real happy with the Doppler flow meter and appreciate the recommendation," said Connor. The Doppler flow meter display indicates the velocity of the material while traveling in the discharge pipe. It also complements the functions of the "Maximizer" suction relief valve. "The measurement of the flow rate and density of dredged slurry has become an increasingly useful tool," remarked Tommy Wetta, Vice President - Sales. "Operators are able to maintain a uniform material flow because the system includes a suction dilution valve which stabilizes the suction and discharge slurry density. Additionally, the operator can easily distinguish between a small suction choke and a heavy material load."
The "Maximizer" suction relief valve prevents the line from plugging by maintaining a calculated range of velocity for the material being excavated. Also known as a slurry dilution valve, DSC's Maximizer allows water to come into the line to dilute the slurry when predetermined conditions are met (such as low velocity or low vacuum requirements). Dredge flow settings are determined via engineering calculations and integrated with the PLC before the dredge leaves Dredging Supply Company. Operators also have a manual over-ride available. "Again, we are happy with the Maximizer valve and appreciate the recommendation," said Connor. He continued, "Another feature of the DSC Shark Class dredge which we appreciate is the hull width. It is quite easy to work on."
Founded in 1954, Allied Aggregates' parent company, Allied Concrete, offers a wide range of concrete experience including large state jobs, schools, office buildings, residential construction and street paving, as well as commercial projects. Allied Concrete owns and operates the latest equipment in the concrete industry. Like its parent company, Allied Aggregates is committed to purchasing first class equipment. Allied Concrete provides the highest quality ready-mix product to its customers and is committed to providing the best quality product at a competitive price.
DSC, headquartered in Reserve, Louisiana, manufactures and delivers dredges to companies located worldwide.