LOADING ARM OPERATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY AND ADVANCED SAFETY

Tank Storage Magazine explores the future of loading arms with improved safety, operations and efficiency. Loading arms facilitate the transfer of liquid or liquified gas, from one tank to another through an articulated pipe system. This usually consists of rigid piping and swivel joints. Loading arms unfold to get the required working envelope to load or unload the tanker, and the reverse to retract or get a minimal space for parking or storage. With increasing demand for digitalisation across the sector, loading arm suppliers are being expected to implement safer and more efficient products. So, Tank Storage Magazine consulted the experts to understand the evolution of tank loading arms in the sector. DIFFERENT ARMS, DIFFERENT PURPOSES Loading arms tend to fall into two categories: top loading and bottom loading. Bottom loading systems allow liquids or gases to be transferred safely at ground level while capturing 100% of the displaced vapours. ‘This can be done for transfer to tank trucks, railcars, drums or totes, and the moving of petroleum products, liquified gases, asphalt, solvents or hazardous/corrosive chemicals a solution can be designed. Transfers can be...