Accessories
Hi-Level Alarm- An effective means to prevent overfilling of tank is always suggested. In many cases both a primary (metering, scale/weight) and secondary (Hi-Level Alarm on Loading Arm) may be in place.
- For Clear, Light Non-Viscous Materials Civacon Optic Cane Probe (Model 1300/1400)
- For Dark, Viscous Materials A variety of probe styles, manufacturers can be adapted to fit on your OPW Loading Arm. We have experience with most major overfill brands.
Vapor Recovery- Concern for the environment and your employees is of utmost concern. Several options are available to help retain and recover harmful vapors and avoid excessive splashing, each customized to fit your application. Click here for more information on OPW Vapor Recovery Solutions. Heating – Loading Arms can be fully or partially jacketed for efficient handling of asphalt, molten sulfer, waxes, resins and other products that are highly viscous or tend to solidify at ambient temperatures. Click here for more information on OPW Heated Loading Solutions. Loading Arm Insulation – OPW can provide a Custom Insulation Package designed specifically for your loading arm. Unlike field-applied insulation, these packages are completely removable and reusable, making them the ideal solution for loading arm use.
Grounding/Bonding – Suggested for many top/splash loading applications. Available as an option on all Loading Arm designs.
Electronic Ground Verification
The Civacon model 8030 Ground Verification Monitor is compatible with today’s transport groundsystems. The monitor is equipped to provide a permissive signal to allow load rack operation and, if ground is lost, to indicate a non-permissive signal and shut down the loading operation.
Safety Breakaway Coupling Protects your equipment, piping and personnel in the event of an unintended pull-away. A consideration whenever you are making a tight connection to a truck or railcar.
Quick & Dry Disconnect Couplings – With OPW, you have many options at your disposal for your loading arm termination connections. From the original quick-disconnect Kamlok® coupling to our Epsilon™ dry disconnect coupling, we have a coupling to meet your needs. Vacuum Breaker – OPW Engineered Systems Vacuum Breakers permit quick, positive evacuation of the arm after the loading operation is complete. Suggested for any top load/submerged fill application. Lockdown- available to help insure that your loading arm stays securely in vehicle during loading operation. Several options available depending on your application. Deflectors – Loading arm drop tube can be provided with deflector to help minimize the risk of static build-up and/or product foaming. Can also be used to redirect the upward pressure in order to keep the arm from attempting to rise out of tank during loading.
- 463 Deflector (Cone)
- Aluminum Construction
- 3” & 4”, FNPT
- 464 Deflector (Tee)
- Aluminum Construction
- 3” & 4”, FNPT
Strainers- Loading arm drop tube can be provided with a cast aluminum suction strainer when unloading tank cars. Helps prevent scale and other foreign objects from being sucked into line.
- 341 Suction Strainer
- Cast Aluminum
- Galvanized steel screen
- 3” & 4” FNPT
Loading Valves
- 6400 Series Horizontal Valve – OPW Loading Valves are designed to shut off flow without causing shock in the pipeline.
- Adjustable closure rate
- 3” & 4” sizes, Aluminum Construction
- TTMA Flanged connections
- Ball Valves (per application/specification)
Pneumatic Counterbalancing – an alternative to conventional spring balanced loading arm, pneumatics provide the ultimate in loading arm design.
Features/Benefits
- Available in 2", 3" and 4"
- Available in carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum
- Choice of flanged, threaded or all-welded construction
- Adaptable to tight-fill or closed system loading when equipped with additional swivel planes of rotation and/or drop hose; along with required outboard coupling, union or fitting
- Rail or truck applications
- Smooth, easy operation
- Limitations
- Accurate spotting of transport required (limited flexibility)
Library
All OPW Loading Arms can be customized to fit your specific application requirements. We do offer a series of Standard/ optimized solutions that are commonly specified. These optimized selections can be expedited to meet faster delivery requirements. Provided here would be a listing of several ‘standard’ loader designs that we want to promote.
- 3” Top Unloading Arm
- DuctileIron/Aluminum/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 120” Reach x 90” Suction Tube
- J32F-3
- 4" Top Unloading Arm
- DuctileIron/Aluminum/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 120" Reach x 90" Suction Tube
- J32F-4
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Carbon Steel/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 120” reach x 48” drop
- J32F-H204
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Carbon Steel/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 108” reach x 48” drop
- J32F-J515
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Carbon Steel/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 98” reach x 72” drop
- J32F-J206
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Stainless Steel/PTFE Construction
- 120” reach x 48” drop
- J32F-G567
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Stainless Steel/FDA Nitrile Construction
- 108” reach x 60” drop
- J32F-G791
- 4” Top Loading Arm
- Carbon Steel/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 120” reach x 48” drop
- J32F-G656
- 4” Top Loading Arm
- Stainless Steel/PTFE Construction
- 94” reach x 60” drop
- J32F-H186
Technical
Click on the title below to view the technical information.
Loading Arm Velocities What size pipe do I need?
Velocity in ft/sec. | Velocity in m/sec. | |||||||||
| GPM | 2" | 3" | 4" | 6" | L/min. | 2" | 3" | 4" | 6" | |
| 100 | 9.6 | 400 | 3.1 | |||||||
| 125 | 12 | 600 | 4.6 | 2.1 | ||||||
| 150 | 14.3 | 800 | 6.1 | 2.8 | ||||||
| 175 | 16.8 | 1000 | 7.7 | 3.5 | 2 | |||||
| 200 | 19.1 | 8.7 | 1250 | 9.6 | 4.4 | 2.5 | ||||
| 225 | 21.5 | 9.8 | 1500 | 5.2 | 3 | |||||
| 250 | 23.9 | 10.8 | 1750 | 6.1 | 3.5 | |||||
| 300 | 13 | 7.5 | 2000 | 7 | 4 | |||||
| 350 | 15.2 | 8.8 | 2250 | 7.9 | 4.5 | 2 | ||||
| 400 | 17.4 | 10.1 | 2500 | 8.7 | 5.1 | 2.2 | ||||
| 450 | 19.6 | 11.4 | 2750 | 5.6 | 2.4 | |||||
| 500 | 21.7 | 12.6 | 5.6 | 3000 | 6.1 | 2.6 | ||||
| 550 | 23.9 | 13.8 | 6.1 | 3250 | 6.6 | 2.9 | ||||
| 600 | 15.1 | 6.6 | 3500 | 7.1 | 3.1 | |||||
| 650 | 16.4 | 7.2 | 3750 | 7.6 | 3.3 | |||||
| 700 | 17.6 | 7.8 | 4000 | 8.1 | 3.6 | |||||
| 750 | 18.9 | 8.3 | 4500 | 9.1 | 4 | |||||
| 800 | 20.2 | 8.9 | 5000 | 4.5 | ||||||
| 900 | 22.7 | 10 | 5500 | 4.9 | ||||||
| 1000 | 11.1 | 6000 | 5.3 | |||||||
| 1200 | 13.3 | 6500 | 5.8 | |||||||
| 1300 | 14.4 | 7000 | 6.2 | |||||||
| 1400 | 15.6 | |||||||||
| 1500 | 16.7 | |||||||||
| 1600 | 17.8 | |||||||||
| 1700 | 18.9 | |||||||||
| 1800 | 20 | |||||||||
| Velocities above 15 ft./sec. (4.6 m/sec.) are generally not recommended - Bold are recommended. | ||||||||||
Loading Arm Swivel/Spring Dimensions
How much clearance will my loading arm require?
Coming soon.
Loading Arm Configurations
.jpg.thumb.1280.1280.png.rendition.src.1768904711997.jpg)
OPW Engineered Systems Top-loading Scissor Style
The transfer of volatile, valuable, potentially toxic fluids requires highly engineered loading arms, couplers and swivels. OPW Engineered Systems is the global leader in the design and manufacture of products that transfer fluids SAFER, CLEANER, FASTER.
Success Story: SI Group
This success story demonstrates how the SI Group Manufacturing prefers OPW Engineered System's Drylock Disconnect Couplers and Adaptors for their outstanding safety features, with virtually no fluid loss and no exposure.
Drylok™ is designed to safely transfer hazardous corrosive, volatile liquids such as acids, solvents and petrochemicals. An interlocking handle averts accidental spills by preventing uncoupling while the valve is open. And, the unit's flat face minimizes fluid loss, further reducing exposure to risk during operation. Drylok™ is ideal for all kinds of hazardous fluids where product loss is a problem, such as high-pressure lines, high flow rates, slurries, and gases.
OPW Engineered Systems Top-loading Fixed Style
-
3000 Series Installation Operations Manual
-
8000 Series Endura Installation Operations Manual
-
790 Counterbalance Installation Operations Manual
-
890 Series Torsion Spring Counterbalance Installation Operations Manual
-
Loading-Arm-Design-Form
-
Loading-Arm-configurations
-
Loading Arms Installation Operations Manual
-
Loading Arms Installation Operations Manual (Spanish)
-
Loading Arm Design Form (Spanish)
-
Top Loading Design Form
Accessories
Hi-Level Alarm- An effective means to prevent overfilling of tank is always suggested. In many cases both a primary (metering, scale/weight) and secondary (Hi-Level Alarm on Loading Arm) may be in place.
- For Clear, Light Non-Viscous Materials Civacon Optic Cane Probe (Model 1300/1400)
- For Dark, Viscous Materials A variety of probe styles, manufacturers can be adapted to fit on your OPW Loading Arm. We have experience with most major overfill brands.
Vapor Recovery- Concern for the environment and your employees is of utmost concern. Several options are available to help retain and recover harmful vapors and avoid excessive splashing, each customized to fit your application. Click here for more information on OPW Vapor Recovery Solutions. Heating – Loading Arms can be fully or partially jacketed for efficient handling of asphalt, molten sulfer, waxes, resins and other products that are highly viscous or tend to solidify at ambient temperatures. Click here for more information on OPW Heated Loading Solutions. Loading Arm Insulation – OPW can provide a Custom Insulation Package designed specifically for your loading arm. Unlike field-applied insulation, these packages are completely removable and reusable, making them the ideal solution for loading arm use.
Grounding/Bonding – Suggested for many top/splash loading applications. Available as an option on all Loading Arm designs.
Electronic Ground Verification
The Civacon model 8030 Ground Verification Monitor is compatible with today’s transport groundsystems. The monitor is equipped to provide a permissive signal to allow load rack operation and, if ground is lost, to indicate a non-permissive signal and shut down the loading operation.
Safety Breakaway Coupling Protects your equipment, piping and personnel in the event of an unintended pull-away. A consideration whenever you are making a tight connection to a truck or railcar.
Quick & Dry Disconnect Couplings – With OPW, you have many options at your disposal for your loading arm termination connections. From the original quick-disconnect Kamlok® coupling to our Epsilon™ dry disconnect coupling, we have a coupling to meet your needs. Vacuum Breaker – OPW Engineered Systems Vacuum Breakers permit quick, positive evacuation of the arm after the loading operation is complete. Suggested for any top load/submerged fill application. Lockdown- available to help insure that your loading arm stays securely in vehicle during loading operation. Several options available depending on your application. Deflectors – Loading arm drop tube can be provided with deflector to help minimize the risk of static build-up and/or product foaming. Can also be used to redirect the upward pressure in order to keep the arm from attempting to rise out of tank during loading.
- 463 Deflector (Cone)
- Aluminum Construction
- 3” & 4”, FNPT
- 464 Deflector (Tee)
- Aluminum Construction
- 3” & 4”, FNPT
Strainers- Loading arm drop tube can be provided with a cast aluminum suction strainer when unloading tank cars. Helps prevent scale and other foreign objects from being sucked into line.
- 341 Suction Strainer
- Cast Aluminum
- Galvanized steel screen
- 3” & 4” FNPT
Loading Valves
- 6400 Series Horizontal Valve – OPW Loading Valves are designed to shut off flow without causing shock in the pipeline.
- Adjustable closure rate
- 3” & 4” sizes, Aluminum Construction
- TTMA Flanged connections
- Ball Valves (per application/specification)
Pneumatic Counterbalancing – an alternative to conventional spring balanced loading arm, pneumatics provide the ultimate in loading arm design.
Features/Benefits
- Available in 2", 3" and 4"
- Available in carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum
- Choice of flanged, threaded or all-welded construction
- Adaptable to tight-fill or closed system loading when equipped with additional swivel planes of rotation and/or drop hose; along with required outboard coupling, union or fitting
- Rail or truck applications
- Smooth, easy operation
- Limitations
- Accurate spotting of transport required (limited flexibility)
Library
All OPW Loading Arms can be customized to fit your specific application requirements. We do offer a series of Standard/ optimized solutions that are commonly specified. These optimized selections can be expedited to meet faster delivery requirements. Provided here would be a listing of several ‘standard’ loader designs that we want to promote.
- 3” Top Unloading Arm
- DuctileIron/Aluminum/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 120” Reach x 90” Suction Tube
- J32F-3
- 4" Top Unloading Arm
- DuctileIron/Aluminum/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 120" Reach x 90" Suction Tube
- J32F-4
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Carbon Steel/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 120” reach x 48” drop
- J32F-H204
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Carbon Steel/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 108” reach x 48” drop
- J32F-J515
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Carbon Steel/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 98” reach x 72” drop
- J32F-J206
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Stainless Steel/PTFE Construction
- 120” reach x 48” drop
- J32F-G567
- 3” Top Loading Arm
- Stainless Steel/FDA Nitrile Construction
- 108” reach x 60” drop
- J32F-G791
- 4” Top Loading Arm
- Carbon Steel/Fluorocarbon Construction
- 120” reach x 48” drop
- J32F-G656
- 4” Top Loading Arm
- Stainless Steel/PTFE Construction
- 94” reach x 60” drop
- J32F-H186
Technical
Click on the title below to view the technical information.
Loading Arm Velocities What size pipe do I need?
Velocity in ft/sec. | Velocity in m/sec. | |||||||||
| GPM | 2" | 3" | 4" | 6" | L/min. | 2" | 3" | 4" | 6" | |
| 100 | 9.6 | 400 | 3.1 | |||||||
| 125 | 12 | 600 | 4.6 | 2.1 | ||||||
| 150 | 14.3 | 800 | 6.1 | 2.8 | ||||||
| 175 | 16.8 | 1000 | 7.7 | 3.5 | 2 | |||||
| 200 | 19.1 | 8.7 | 1250 | 9.6 | 4.4 | 2.5 | ||||
| 225 | 21.5 | 9.8 | 1500 | 5.2 | 3 | |||||
| 250 | 23.9 | 10.8 | 1750 | 6.1 | 3.5 | |||||
| 300 | 13 | 7.5 | 2000 | 7 | 4 | |||||
| 350 | 15.2 | 8.8 | 2250 | 7.9 | 4.5 | 2 | ||||
| 400 | 17.4 | 10.1 | 2500 | 8.7 | 5.1 | 2.2 | ||||
| 450 | 19.6 | 11.4 | 2750 | 5.6 | 2.4 | |||||
| 500 | 21.7 | 12.6 | 5.6 | 3000 | 6.1 | 2.6 | ||||
| 550 | 23.9 | 13.8 | 6.1 | 3250 | 6.6 | 2.9 | ||||
| 600 | 15.1 | 6.6 | 3500 | 7.1 | 3.1 | |||||
| 650 | 16.4 | 7.2 | 3750 | 7.6 | 3.3 | |||||
| 700 | 17.6 | 7.8 | 4000 | 8.1 | 3.6 | |||||
| 750 | 18.9 | 8.3 | 4500 | 9.1 | 4 | |||||
| 800 | 20.2 | 8.9 | 5000 | 4.5 | ||||||
| 900 | 22.7 | 10 | 5500 | 4.9 | ||||||
| 1000 | 11.1 | 6000 | 5.3 | |||||||
| 1200 | 13.3 | 6500 | 5.8 | |||||||
| 1300 | 14.4 | 7000 | 6.2 | |||||||
| 1400 | 15.6 | |||||||||
| 1500 | 16.7 | |||||||||
| 1600 | 17.8 | |||||||||
| 1700 | 18.9 | |||||||||
| 1800 | 20 | |||||||||
| Velocities above 15 ft./sec. (4.6 m/sec.) are generally not recommended - Bold are recommended. | ||||||||||
Loading Arm Swivel/Spring Dimensions
How much clearance will my loading arm require?
Coming soon.
Loading Arm Configurations
OPW Engineered Systems Top-loading Scissor Style
The transfer of volatile, valuable, potentially toxic fluids requires highly engineered loading arms, couplers and swivels. OPW Engineered Systems is the global leader in the design and manufacture of products that transfer fluids SAFER, CLEANER, FASTER.
Success Story: SI Group
This success story demonstrates how the SI Group Manufacturing prefers OPW Engineered System's Drylock Disconnect Couplers and Adaptors for their outstanding safety features, with virtually no fluid loss and no exposure.
Drylok™ is designed to safely transfer hazardous corrosive, volatile liquids such as acids, solvents and petrochemicals. An interlocking handle averts accidental spills by preventing uncoupling while the valve is open. And, the unit's flat face minimizes fluid loss, further reducing exposure to risk during operation. Drylok™ is ideal for all kinds of hazardous fluids where product loss is a problem, such as high-pressure lines, high flow rates, slurries, and gases.
OPW Engineered Systems Top-loading Fixed Style
-
3000 Series Installation Operations Manual
-
8000 Series Endura Installation Operations Manual
-
790 Counterbalance Installation Operations Manual
-
890 Series Torsion Spring Counterbalance Installation Operations Manual
-
Loading-Arm-Design-Form
-
Loading-Arm-configurations
-
Loading Arms Installation Operations Manual
-
Loading Arms Installation Operations Manual (Spanish)
-
Loading Arm Design Form (Spanish)
-
Top Loading Design Form
Need help? Contact support.
Customer Support
Reach Out to Our Customer Support Team for Prompt Assistance and Answers to Any Questions or Concerns You May Have
Technical Support
Contact Us for Technical Support on Your Projects and Resolving Any Technical Issues You Encounter
Contact a Distributor
Locate a Nearby Distributor for Replacement Parts
Product Enquiry
Product Information request form to find the right solution
Need help? Contact support.
Customer Support
Reach Out to Our Customer Support Team for Prompt Assistance and Answers to Any Questions or Concerns You May Have
Technical Support
Contact Us for Technical Support on Your Projects and Resolving Any Technical Issues You Encounter
OPW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
9393 Princeton-Glendale Road
Hamilton, Ohio, USA 45011
Copyright © 2026 OPW, A Dover Company, and its affiliated entities.