A loading system should have sufficient horizontal range to reach the farthest compartment without re-spotting the vehicle. Sufficient vertical movement and drop-pipe lengths to service vehicles of varying heights is also necessary. A properly designed top loading system can provide protection and achieve this requirement. Top loading arms can also be used for tight-fill, vapor recovery, marine and other applications when used with specially designed and engineered components, such as vapor plates, tapered hatch plugs, and inflatable hatch seals.
Tank trucks and railcars put different demands on a top loading arm. Truck racks often see vehicles of different lengths and heights in the same lane. Multi-compartment trailers also need an arm that covers the farthest hatch without moving the truck. Arms with a variable operating range, like the scissor-type and slide sleeve styles, handle that variation well.
Railcar loading depends on how accurately cars are spotted at the rack. Where cars stop in a consistent position, a single arm with fixed reach through the open dome is often enough. Where mis-spotting is common, a boom arm adds the reach to make the connection without moving the car. Pressure railcars connect through angle valves on top of the car, so LPG railcar loading calls for a different arm and stabber pipe setup.
For any tight connection to a truck or railcar, a safety breakaway coupling protects the arm, piping, and personnel if the vehicle pulls away.
Special Top Loading Arm designs can be supplied with a wide range of valves, fittings, and instrumentation equipment. Options include steam jacketing for asphalt and other viscous products, automatic shut-off to prevent overfills, and vapor recovery loading arms for closed-system loading.
For common configurations, StandardLine Loading Arms come pre-engineered with faster delivery. For anything else, send a product enquiry.
Our StandardLine series is pre-engineered for common applications, built for faster delivery when a fully custom spec isn't needed.
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