Does your operation have the equipment it needs? If not, Northern Platforms is here to help. As a leading Western Canada supplier of SafeRack and OPW products, our team specializes in building railcar loading and unloading systems that protect workers and maintain throughput at the same time. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of railcar loading arms and platforms that we offer, broken down by application. 

Railcar Loading Systems for Crude Oil & Asphalt

Crude oil (also called crude bitumen) remains a major rail commodity out of Western Canada, often moving from terminals where pipeline capacity is constrained. Key design considerations for crude oil:

• Type of railcar: General service tank car, often insulated or coiled depending on viscosity and temperature requirements
• Type of loading: Usually closed top loading or bottom loading; heated loading may be required for bitumen and asphalt
• Key loading concern: Flammability, product temperature, viscosity, spill prevention, static control, and safe operator access
• Common equipment considerations: Loading arm, grounding/bonding, vapour management where required, overfill protection, spill containment, gangway or access platform, fall protection, heated or jacketed components

Railcar Loading Systems for Refined Fuels (Gasoline, Diesel, Jet Fuel)

Refined fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel require loading systems that support fast, controlled, and clean transfer. Because these products are flammable or combustible, the system must be designed to reduce ignition risk, control vapours where required, prevent spills, and keep workers safely positioned during loading. Key design considerations for refined fuel loading systems include:

• Type of railcar: General service tank car for flammable or combustible liquids
• Type of loading: Top or bottom loading; gasoline is commonly handled with closed loading and vapour recovery (where required)
• Key loading concern: Flammability, vapour control, static electricity, overfill prevention, spill containment, and clean connections
• Common equipment considerations: Loading arm, dry disconnect or tight-fill couplers, vapour recovery arm or line, grounding/bonding, overfill protection, emergency shutoff system, gangway or access platform, fall protection

Railcar Loading Systems for Natural Gas/LPG (Propane, Butane)

Liquified petroleum gas (LPG) is transported in pressurized tank cars and presents a very different risk profile than crude bitumen or refined fuels. Loading systems must maintain proper pressure during loading and unloading. Additionally, platforms and racks must meet strict industry standards (NFPA 53). Key considerations for these loading systems include:

• Type of railcar: Pressure tank car
• Type of loading: Closed-loop / pressure loading
• Key loading concern: Pressure containment, flammability, leak prevention, emergency isolation, and controlled connection/disconnection
• Common equipment considerations: Pressure-rated loading arm, secure couplers, emergency shutoff valves, breakaway protection, vapour return or equalization line where required, gas detection, gangway or access platform, fall protection

Railcar Loading Systems for Ammonia (NH3)

Railcar loading systems for LPG and ammonia share several characteristics. Both products are transported under pressure, both require secure connections, and both rely on closed transfer systems to maintain containment. However, ammonia introduces an additional layer of risk: it is highly hazardous to workers if released. As a result, ammonia loading systems must be designed with particular attention to leak prevention, emergency shutoff, vapour or vent management, and safe operator access. Key design considerations for ammonia loading systems include:

• Type of railcar: Pressure tank car
• Type of loading: Closed-loop / pressure loading
• Key loading concern: Toxic inhalation exposure, pressure containment, leak prevention, and safe operator access
• Common equipment considerations: Loading arm, emergency shutoff system, secure couplers, vapour/vent management, gas detection, eyewash and safety shower access, gangway or access platform, fall protection

Railcar Loading Systems for Molten Sulphur

Molten sulphur is one of the more complex bulk liquid loading applications because the product must be kept hot enough to remain in a liquid state. If the product cools during transfer, it can begin to solidify inside the loading arm, piping, valves, or railcar connection point. Details about molten sulphur loading systems:

• Type of railcar: Insulated tank car designed for molten sulphur service
• Type of loading: Heated top loading through the railcar hatch
• Key loading concern: Maintaining product temperature, preventing solidification, managing H₂S exposure, avoiding spills or residue, and protecting operators from burns
• Common equipment considerations: Steam-jacketed or heat-traced loading arm, heated piping, vapour management or venting provisions, spill control, gangway or access platform, safety cage, fall protection, eyewash and safety shower access

For more specific information on the best types of loading arms for both LPG and sulphur loading, read our previous blog post: “4 Top-Loading Arms for LPG and Sulphur Loading Applications.”

Railcar Loading Systems for All Products

Crude, LPG, refined fuels, ammonia, and molten sulphur all move by rail, but they all require different infrastructure. Each product has its own requirements for tank car fittings, loading arms, vapour control, fall protection, safety systems, and more. 

As a full-service provider, Northern Platforms specializes in designing and installing complete turn-key railcar loading solutions for crude oil, refined fuels, propane, butane, ammonia, molten sulphur, and more. We have nearly 30 years of experience and have worked with some of the largest industrial operations in Western Canada. 

Contact Us for a Free Quote

Ready to get started? Contact our team with your project details today. 

Is your specific application missing from this list? We’d still love to hear from you. Request a quote through our website or call our office to get started on a turnkey railcar loading platform customized specifically for your operation.