There are various types of loading arms available.
Depending on customer requirements, loading arms can be equipped with different features, including:
1. Columned Loading Arm: This is a standard loading arm with a boom support structure.
2. Sealed Loading Arm: Designed for volatile or toxic gas media, it ensures a closed loading process with separate gas and liquid phases.
3. Alarm-equipped Loading Arm: Features sound and light alarms to prevent overflow during loading.
4. Heated Insulated Loading Arm: Designed for maintaining temperature during loading, suitable for applications requiring temperature control.
5. Stainless Steel Loading Arm : Made from stainless steel material for corrosion resistance and hygiene, ideal for food-grade applications.
6. Hydraulic Submersible Pump Loading Arm: Utilizes a hydraulic submersible pump for unloading operations, eliminating gas resistance and cavitation issues.
7. Electric Submersible Pump Loading Arm: Uses an electric submersible pump for unloading, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
Each type of loading arm serves specific purposes and applications, such as loading liquefied gas or liquid ammonia in trains or tankers. They come with multiple swivel joints to facilitate movement during loading and can be equipped with additional components like level sensors, high-level alarms, and external drive cylinders.
For example, a typical loading arm for trains features five rotating joints and connects to the train using quick-release couplings. It allows the media to flow from the tanker into the pipeline through gravity, enabling efficient unloading.
These loading arms offer advantages such as lightweight construction, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for various loading and unloading operations in different industries.
