Loading Arm

Benefits of Loading Arm

1.Loading arms are better for fall prevention

Hoses left lying around on platforms present a safety hazard. Workers could easily trip on them and become injured. Additionally, when implemented in a custom manner by an expert company, loading arms can be integrated with a facility’s fall prevention equipment. Loading arms are also less likely to leak than hoses, which reduces the chances of a worker slipping on liquid residue.

2.Loading arms offer better environmental safety

When they wear out or are transporting contents of a higher pressure than they are designed to, hoses may explode. If the liquid contents being transported are hazardous chemicals or petroleum, the cleanup of these hazardous materials costs businesses a great deal of money. Loading arms, on the other hand, do not pose a risk of explosion.

3.Loading arms are easier to use

Hoses are bulky and heavy, making them difficult to move around and offering employees fewer ergonomic benefits. Loading arms produce less strain on workers, which leaves them with more energy to accomplish other tasks and less likely to experience injuries.

4.Loading arms last longer than hoses

Loading arms are a much better long-term investment than hoses. In fact, due to the dangers of a worn-out hose, many companies require that hoses be replaced every year. Hoses also need to be inspected much more frequently than loading arms.

5.Loading arms boost production efficiency

Loading arms connect more quickly to the tops of trucks and rail cars. This means liquids are pumped in and out faster, increasing a facility’s throughput capacity and speeding up the supply chain.

Types of Loading Arm

1.Top loading arms give you the widest range of options for loading and unloading chemicals:

a: The basic single arm with a fixed reach can be used for both railcar loading and tank truck application. Many manufacturers choose this option due to its adaptability.
b: The scissor arm is also a good fit for both tanker trucks and railcars, as it can handle high flow rates.
c: The supported boom arm is ideal for low-maintenance service. Though not suitable for heavy loads, it performs well in high-usage installations.
d: The unsupported boom arm is a convenient option when it is impractical to mount a boom arm.

2.Bottom loading arms, while not as versatile as top loading arms, they are the safest option since the operator remains on the ground. The overall loading time is reduced through quicker connections, and there is less turbulence in the tank. Bottom loading arms often feature a powerful swivel with spring capacity, providing longer arm reach and the ability to reach more openings.

Application of Loading Arm

Loading docks

They are commonly used in loading docks of warehouses, distribution centers, and factories to efficiently move goods between trucks and facilities.

Material handling

They can be used to load and unload a variety of materials, including boxes, pallets, barrels, and other industrial products.

Logistics and distribution

They facilitate logistics by streamlining the loading and unloading process, reducing truck waiting times, and improving operational efficiency.

Port industry

In ports, these hydraulic arms can be used to move containers to and from ships, streamlining port operations.

Heavy load handling

They are ideal for handling loads that would be difficult or impossible to move manually due to their weight or size.

Components of Loading Arm

Control systems - Systems for the comfortable and safe operation of loading arms.

Heating systems- Designed to keep loaded fluids in a liquid state, used for products with low and middle temperature ranges or if there is no other heating media available.

Overfill safety device - Secondary safety system which prevents product overflow, for example in the case of an incorrect pre-selected loading amount.

Parallel device for bottom loading arms -The arm is fitted with six swivels for complete 3-axis movement of the tanker connection, allowing for tanker height changes during filling/discharge. The arm is additionally fitted with a parallel bar that holds the tanker connection arm ("B"-length) in a horizontal position irrespective of the primary arm ("A"-length) position. This makes tanker connection and disconnection much easier. The B-length also has a gas spring fitted allowing the operator to raise and lower the B-length with total ease.

Surelok couplings- Represent the most innovative method of producing fast and tight connection between two hoses or a vessel and a hose. These couplings comply with the safety requirements of the chemical and oil industries.

Telescopic drop tube - Is used with a bottom contact switch, ensuring that the drop tube is permanently in touch with the bottom of the tanker being loaded. Our telescopic drop tubes can be either manually or pneumatically operated. Manually operated telescopic drop tubes are robust and have a short installation.

Swivel joints: One of the most critical components of a loading arm, swivel joints are available in standard or custom fabricated joints. They move along a plane to help the arm rotate in various directions.

Dry disconnects: Dry disconnects help to prevent a spill when loading and unloading road or rail cars — especially when working with harmful or toxic chemicals.

Couplers: Couplers are part of the dry disconnect fitting. Across industries, they ensure that the liquid transfer operation is secure and will not allow disconnection or leakage if the valve is open.

Process of Loading Arm

Getting ready for installation

Loading Arms can be partially disassembled and placed in crates for quick and safe shipping. One or more boxes containing fastening supplies for the installation of the loading arms may be included in each crate. These containers could also include other equipment. Save these crates after assembling the loading arm so you can use them later to store or disassemble the loading arm.

Always make sure the pipe supporting the loading arm is straight, level, and strong enough to withstand the weight and stresses of the arm. Failing to balance the supporting piping could harm the loading arm, harm people seriously, and even result in fatalities. The Loading Arm does not have a mechanism to release pressure brought on by changes in temperature and the thermal expansion of transfer medium. To release this pressure, a valve for pressure relief may be needed in front of the loading arm’s inlet. Never allow this pressure to get above 10 percent of the pressure level. Neglecting to connect a pressure release valve could result in both physical injury and damage to the loading arm.

Assembling a loading arm

Examine the assembly drawing and make sure that every component is there and in great condition. If you discover any components that are broken or missing, contact your manufacturer right away.

Thoroughly clean all debris from the threads and the Loading Arm’s other components. Start assembling from the Loading Arm’s intake end. When creating a threaded connection, generously treat the first three or four male threads with a suitable and compatible thread sealant. Always use strap wrenches on aluminium parts and strap wrenches whenever possible. Using a pipe wrench on aluminium components could result in damage.

How to Maintain Loading Arm

Visual inspection: Involves thoroughly inspecting the loading arm to identify any signs of wear, tear, or damage to the components.

Ultrasonic testing (UT): This non-destructive testing (NDT) technique can detect cracks, corrosion or other defects in the loading arm.

Lubrication: Regular lubrication of the loading arm's moving parts is essential to prevent wear and tear and ensure smooth operation.

Pressure testing

This involves testing the loading arm for leaks or other issues under pressure to ensure it is properly working.

Load testing

Load testing ensures that the arm can safely handle the maximum load it is rated for.

Emergency release system testing

The system is tested periodically to ensure it functions correctly and can safely detach the arm in an emergency.

Maintenance record-keeping

It is essential to record all maintenance and inspection activities performed on the loading arm for future reference and to track its history.

How to Operate the Loading Arm:

Make sure that the Loading Arms are functioning in all parts without any damage.

The tank truck should be positioned under the loading gate facility, in the correct loading position.

Unlock the Loading Arm from the parking position, which can be done by removing the locking pin. Move the arms from the parking position to the tank truck connections, opening them with a horizontal movement.

Note: In order to proceed with this operation, after unlocking the arm, we suggest steering the final part of the arm with the handles and rotate it 90° towards the tank connection (proceed with the liquid arm first).

This way, the arm will be easy to manoeuvre, because in this position the arm is perfectly balanced.

After that, connect both loaders to the respective connections of the tank.

Start the loading operation by opening the valve installed at the end of each arm by turning the lever.

When the loading is completed, close the valves turning the lever in the opposite direction, then disconnect the arms from their respective connections of the tank truck.

Close the arms with horizontal movement until they reach the correct parking position. You will then lock them by inserting the locking pins in their holes.

Breakdown of a Loading Arm

One of the more remarkable features of the loading arm is the redundant seal system that incorporates the main seal, as well as a back-up seal, environmental seal, and even leak protection. If for some reason the seal leaks, then the back-up seal catches the fluid. The fluid is then channeled to a detection port, which indicates that service is necessary. The third seal stops the liquid from ever entering the environment.

Another valuable feature is the spring-balance units. These have unique benefits that allow for a full range of adjustments just by simply turning off the wrench. This is a considerable improvement from earlier models where you had to keep the loading arm in a vertical position to complete your adjustments. On many spring balance loading arms, adjustments can be made from any position for ease and maintain valve integrity. The benefits of spring balance units are that the precise spring balance adjustments that can be made, eliminating labor-intensive routines. They’re also safe and performance-guaranteed.

Principle of Operation

loading arm is designed to support a flexible hose assembly thus facilitating the work of the operator. The loading arm consists of segments connected by pins. The number of the segments depends on the size of the arm.

Swivel joints allow free rotation. The flexible hose assembly attached to the arm is fitted with an emergency release coupling at the side of the tanker. In the event of an emergency (when the tanker drives away and the hose assembly is still connected) the shear bolts joining both halves of the coupling break and the coupling disconnects. At the same time, the spring valves in both halves of the coupling shut, preventing the loaded/unloaded medium from flowing out. Since the flexible hose assembly is mounted on the loading arm it is not subject to tensile loads.

Our Factory

Established in 2008, Henan Ottima Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd is a manufacturer and service provider specializing in the production and sales of petroleum machinery products, including gas station equipment and accessories, as well as liquid transfer equipment such as loading arms and folding stairs.

FAQ

Q: What is another name for a loading arm?

A: A marine loading arm, also known as a mechanical loading arm, loading arm, or MLA is a mechanical arm consisting of articulated steel pipes that connect a tankship such as an oil tanker or chemical tanker to a cargo terminal.

Q: How does a marine loading arm work?

A: Marine loading arm consists of 3 different types of swivel joints(6 plane of rotation)-Style 50,40 and 80. The combination of these 3 types of swivel joints allows the arms to follow the movement of vessel in all planes smoothly and enables safe un/loading operation.

Q: What is a loading arm?

A: A loading arm permits the transfer of liquid or liquefied gas from one tank to another through an articulated pipe system consisting of rigid piping and swivel joints to obtain flexibility. Transfer to or from a truck transported tank or rail transported tank requires a Top Loading Arm or a Bottom Loading Arm.

Q: What is LNG loading arm?

A: This bottom loading arm is specifically designed to load Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) products. It can be used for bottom loading or unloading of road or rail tankers.

Q: What is the marine loading arm emergency release system?

A: The ERS is designed for fast and safe disconnection of the LNG Marine Loading Arm before the ship gets out of reach. It consists of two ball valves, joined together by means of an emergency release coupler (ERC).

Q: What is ERC in marine loading arm?

A: Marine and Land Loading Arms. Emergency Release Couplers are integral com ponents of most loading systems. Through the selfmonitoring system of the loader, looming emergency situations caused by a tanker drift ing off are quickly detected.

Q: What are the specifications of loading arms?

A: It is available in sizes from 6” to 20” diameter with pressure ratings up to 300lbs and operating temperatures from -196°C to +200°C.

Q: What is meant by the operating envelope when referring to loading arms?

A: An operating envelope is to assure the marine loading arm fits its purpose on an individual level – single connection. More and more often simultaneous connection is applicable, especially when big tankers are loaded.

Q: What is the purpose of a marine loading arm?

A: Marine Loading Arms play a pivotal role in the maritime industry, facilitating the transfer of various substances, including liquids and gases, between a ship and a terminal.

Q: What is top loading arm?

A: Top loading arms permit the transfer of liquids through the manhole on the top of a road or rail tanker. Depending on whether the product is 'dangerous' or not, this connection may be open (manhole not sealed), semi-closed (via a cone to the top of the tanker) or closed.

Q: What is the pressure on a marine loading arm?

A: They can operate at pressures up to 150 bar/g for high pressure applications. Depending on operational needs, the marine loading arms can be equipped with a robust high-quality support structure and a range. They can also be outfitted with a range of emergency release systems.

As one of the leading loading arm manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to buy or wholesale discount loading arm in stock here from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and competitive price. Contact us for more details.

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