Is 2021 your year of kicking workplace safety and efficiency into high gear? If your team is ready to take command and streamline operations even further, loading arms, like those made by OPW Engineered Systems & Emco Wheaton are an invaluable investment. Designed to be flexible, stable, and to eliminate the many risks associated with loading trucks and rail cars, loading arms are versatile and perfect for a wide range of applications.
If you’ve been considering making the investment in a top or bottom loading arm, and are wondering what the best fit for your setup is, Northern Platforms is here to help. As Western Canada’s largest source for OPW Engineered Systems & Emco Wheaton, we’re here to connect you with the solutions you can depend on. Below, we’ll cover a few aspects to consider when choosing a loading arm for your operations. Read on to learn more!
Bottom Loading vs. Top Loading Arms: What You Need to Know
As the names suggest, there are some distinct differences in how bottom and top loading arms operate, as well as unique benefits to both. Bottom loading arms are designed to be operated from ground level, which provides additional safety and the robust swivel and spring counterbalance of units allows the arm to reach farther, making it easier to reach more openings.
Top loading arms, again, are true to the meaning of their name, and load railcars or trucks from above. One of the biggest benefits to top loading arms is that they have a huge range of options available and are typically designed for your specific application to safely load and unload railcars and truck, all while handling high flow rates with ease. With multiple models available, finding the right fit for your application is easy, and when partnering with a licensed distributor like Northern Platforms Ltd, you can rest easy knowing that you have the perfect match for your exact needs.
Hoses and Compatibility
The debate between hoses vs loading arms when it comes to safe onboarding and offloading is always a point of contention when it comes to finding the right loading solution. While it’s important to remember that most loading arms are designed for overall ease of use and handling, before you commit to investing in one, you will want to ensure that your trucks and/or railcars are compatible with a non-hose option. Seamless integration is generally very easy and custom solutions and modifications greatly reduce the risk of issues, however, at times clashes may occur. Here are some things to consider with each option:
Hoses
Loading Arms
Hoses require annual pressure tests, are very heavy to use with valves at tanker connection points, and cannot be easily heated or fitted with vent/purge valves. They are difficult to stow when not in use, are prone to wear, and can be driven over or dropped — potentially leading to catastrophic failure. They also pose a tripping hazard for workers.
Hoses require annual pressure tests
Are difficult to stow neatly when not in use
Can be driven over
Can be dropped
Are very heavy to use if fitted with a valve at the tanker connection point
Cannot be easily heated or have vent/purge valves fitted to it
Prone to catastrophic failure
Loading arms are more balanced and much easier to move — even by a lone operator. They can reach more openings and are designed to not hit the ground, which protects valves and couplers. They can be left hanging in the air while the operator prepares the tanker truck connection, and can be parked easily and neatly. They can also be fitted with manual or actuated liquid valves, as well as optional purge/vent facilities.
Balanced and easy to move throughout the movement envelope
Designed not to hit the ground – protecting the valves and couplers
Allows for a one-person operation
Fitted with manual or actuated liquid valves.
Fitted with optional purge/vent facilities
Can be moved into position with ease and left hanging in the air while the operator prepares the tanker connection
Parked neatly.
When looking to integrate a loading arm with your existing loading or unloading operation, we highly recommend partnering with an experienced team who will be able to evaluate your current operation. When it comes to finding the right loading arm for your specific application, it’s critical to take into consideration existing equipment like piping & metering, gangways, truck & railcar information and overhead obstructions to be sure the loading arm is an optimal fit. Drawing on over 50 years of combined industry experience, Northern Platforms is always happy to send one of our experts to your site to conduct a thorough evaluation to guarantee a perfect match, every time. If you need help finding your safety match, just give us a call!
SafeRack Equipment, Only at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is the largest distributor of OPW Engineered Systems & Emco Wheaton products throughout Western Canada, making us your first choice for loading arms and more. Our inventory features several of our manufacturers products, including API couplers and more! Contact our team today to learn more about loading arms as well as Northern Platforms’ extensive range of safe access and loading solutions!
Does your worksite make the most of onsite safety using spill decks and containment products? With both environmental protection and worksite safety continuing to be driving issues for the industrial sector, the importance of spill decks and related safety equipment is paramount. At Northern Platforms, we understand the need for spill containment solutions and are proud to partner with industry-leading manufacturers like UltraTech to make sure you have access to the best options on the market when it matters most. Learn more about the benefits of spill decks, as well as partnering with Northern Platforms. Read on to learn more!
Why Use Spill Decks
If your operations involve the constant handling and distribution of liquids or corrosive materials, spill decks are an essential part of adhering to environmental standards as well as OSHA/OH&S and more. Spill decks catch and securely store spills and leaks that may leach from drums, and prevent them from damaging your workspace or harming employees. All spills are safely contained in the spill deck until you have the chance to deal with them accordingly, giving you, and your crew, plenty of peace of mind. There are multiple benefits to using spill decks, including:
1. Safe Clean Up
Because spill decks consolidate and contain chemical leakage, spills, and overflow, clean-up is much easier to facilitate overall. With removable grating and other features making it simple to remove and safely dispose of waste, keeping a clean site can be faster, and more hassle-free than ever!
2. Cohesive Workspace
The majority of spill decks can be interlocked to create a bundled work floor that protects your whole work space from spills and leaks. This is fantastic both from a remediation and operations standpoint as it minimizes the damage caused by spilt chemicals over time. Decks can easily be custom fit to your space and can be fixed with screws to prevent shifting. With extreme durability and performance on your side, even the heaviest job sites can enjoy increased safety.
3. Reduce (Cross) Contamination
Contamination and cross-contamination are some of the biggest issues facing worksites that handle dangerous materials. Being able to easily contain the spill drastically reduces the risk of chemicals spreading or mixing and creating noxious fumes. Intermixed chemicals pose a significant risk to everyone’s safety and can cause violent reactions like fires, explosions, etc.
4. Stop Corrosion
Corrosion is a pervasive problem and can be hard to prevent without the right tools in place. By preventing cross-contamination and contact with machinery etc, spill decks help to stall corrosion in its tracks and keep your equipment and worksite in the best condition possible.
UltraTech at Northern Platforms
For nearly 20 years, Northern Platforms Ltd has brought Western Canada the best safety solutions on the market, including spill containment solutions and more. We’re proud to partner with industry-leading providers like UltraTech, which has built a trusted name and reputation for excellence. With over 400 unique products and a focus on unbeatable quality, UltraTech spill containment products pave the way for worksite safety, one spill deck at a time!
Learn more about UltraTech and other safe loading solutions at Northern Platforms by contacting us today!
When it comes to navigating complex job sites, ensuring efficiency, and upholding the most stringent safety standards, Northern Platforms has you covered. For nearly 20 years, we’ve been Western Canada’s leading choice for safe access solutions, all the way from the Prairies to BC’s beautiful shoreline. As a vetted supplier, we take pride in partnering with the best manufacturers in the business, including brands like ErectaStep. Trusted by leading companies and product manufacturers across the world, ErectaStep is well known for its innovation, commitment to exceptional quality, and longevity. As one of the most in-demand makers of modular access systems, rolling stairs, ladders, and swing gates worldwide, ErectaStep has earned its reputation as an industry leader. Learn more about the benefits of choosing ErectaStep, as well as partnering with Northern Platforms, below!
Solutions You Can Trust
We all know that there’s no shortage of solutions on the market, but finding the perfect fit between attractive price points and exceptional performance is a challenge. ErectaStep removes this difficulty, and over the past 20 years, they have consistently changed the safety game through innovation and set a higher bar for competitors for stair kits and more. ErectaStep’s prefabricated and modular industrial stairs offer the following benefits:
Ready for use: No more hassle when it comes to setting up solutions! Using five components, ErectaStep stairs can be quickly assembled and require no fabrication, meaning that you won’t have to worry about headaches or unnecessary downtime.
Reusable: ErectaStep industrial platform and stair systems can be easily unbolted, moved, and reconfigured into unlimited, expandable safety solutions for your convenience.
Instant Visualization: Northern Platforms is happy to help you find the perfect fit for your site by having a representative visit your site, take measurements and prepare a 3D image on a tablet for you to visualize. From there, we can easily have your quote prepared and equipment shipped as quickly as possible.
OSHA/OH&S Compliance: safety comes first at ErectaStep, and OSHA/OH&S compliance is built into all products, giving you peace of mind.
Long Life of Service. ErectaStep stairs and platform systems are durable and long-lasting aluminum, which means less maintenance costs over time, and far better ROI.
Built-in Diversity
For those in need of versatile solutions, you’ll be pleased by the diversity offered by ErectaStep’s solutions. All prefabricated rolling stairs and platforms are able to be used for a wide range of applications, including safely moving workers and equipment to and from areas that would be difficult to access without assistance. This makes them particularly valuable where crossover setups are necessary, as well as where HVAC systems and packaging lines are concerned. ErectaStep’s products are modular, and when all pieces are combined, the end result is a sturdy, cost-effective setup that ensures your operations are as smooth and safe as possible.
Northern Platforms is proud to carry ErectaStep’s products, as well as additional solutions like YellowGate Self Closing Safety Gates for pairing with modular access systems. When you need products that allow you to run as smoothly as possible, we’ve got you covered!
Looking for mobile truck access solutions that make it easy to load and unload within an industrial environment? Choosing the right kind of loading product involves the evaluation of several factors, including the nature of your cargo, fleet, number of hatches, and more. Northern Platforms makes it easy to find the right with a versatile inventory of solutions, including exclusive access to SafeRack products for Western Canada. For nearly two decades, we’ve offered our clients unparalleled service, unbeatable products, and most importantly: safety solutions you can trust. Below we’ll highlight one of SafeRack’s leading solutions for truck loading; the MAUI. Read on to learn how this incredible system can help protect both your crew and your equipment!
There’s a New Champion in Town
As we mentioned above, there’s no shortage of factors that go into selecting the right safe loading solutions for truck cargo. Elements such as what you’re hauling, the size and capabilities of your fleet, as well as your loading facility itself will all influence what kind of products are best suited for your operation. Knowing the specifics of your site and fleet will make finding the right fit much easier, and allow you peace of mind once you set your new system in place. For those look for a versatile and highly dependable option, SafeRack’s MAUI unit is a fantastic fit.
Built from the highest quality materials and backed by SafeRack’s reputation for excellence, the MAUI offers excellent durability with minimal maintenance needs. Equipped to handle loads of up to 500lbs, MAUI has solid no flat tires and is able to be reconfigured as needed for optimal convenience. MAUI’s OSHA compliant design is available in parallel and perpendicular configurations and its versatile nature makes it a vital asset to any safe loading fleet.
SafeRack Truck Loading Equipment, ONLY at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is Alberta and Western Canada’s exclusive distributor of SafeRack products, including their line of MAUI solutions. SafeRack’s exceptional reputation for performance and longevity has made them one of the most respected manufacturers in the industry, as well as the go-to source for the heavy industrial sectors. SafeRack’s dedication to safety and performance makes each of its products trustworthy and a valuable investment for your daily operations both in-house and in the field
As Western Canada’s exclusive SafeRack partner, Northern Platforms is pleased to offer our customers access to SafeRack’s incredible range of products, including the Maui Truck Mobile Access unit and much more. Contact our team today to learn more about Maui, SafeRack, as well as Northern Platforms’ extensive range of safe access and loading solutions!
If you’re in search of trusted loading solutions that allow you to safely transfer crude oil, Northern Platforms is on your side. With over 2 decades serving Canadians as a trusted distributor of safe loading and access equipment, our team is proud to offer you access to a wide range of tools, including crude oil loading arms from manufacturers like OPW and Emco Wheaton. Below, we’ll discuss some key factors to consider when choosing crude oil loading arms. Read on to learn more!
Why the Right Fit Matters
Loading arms are essential to aiding your operations for 2 main purposes: safety and efficiency. No matter what you’re transporting safety is a vital part of your operations, and specific products like crude oil will have unique requirements where loading and unloading is concerned. Ensuring you have the right fit not only keeps your process fast and productive, but also makes sure that everyone is safe in the process. Key considerations to finding your right fit include:
What Size of Loading Arm Do You Need?
Rail and truck loading arms typically range in size from 2″ to 6″. Knowing what size of loading arm is best suited to your operation, as well as knowing how it’s going to integrate with your existing platform/system plays an important role in finding the best fit.
Are You Loading Trucks or Railcars
While both are common for the safe transport of crude oil, trucks and railcars have different sizing and load specifications, so you’ll need to consider the exact needs of your transport carriers when selecting a loading arm. You will also need to know if you truck or railcar will be spotted right at the gangway each time or if your loading arm will need some flexibility to allow for miss-spotting of the truck or railcar.
How Are You Loading?
Crude oil is typically loaded either to atmosphere, also called splash loading, or via tight connection thorough the fill tube on the railcar. Depending on your setup, you’ll want to find the right fit for your loading arm to prevent mishaps. For example if you’re loading to atmosphere, if you are going to be doing vapor recovery you need to consider if you’re looking for a hatch plate, hatch plug, or inflatable hatch seal. Each with have unique needs that need to be dealt with.
Are You Loading Straight Crude Oil, or Oil That Has Been Diluted?
One of the major challenges of transporting and loading crude oil is preventing it from becoming overly viscous. Typically to make shipping crude oil easier condensate is added to crude oil to dilute it and make it easier to pump/ship. If you are not handling diluted bitumen, commonly referred to as Dilbit, then you’ll need to keep your loading arms hot to allow the crude oil/bitumen to easily flow through your loading arm. Working with industry leaders like OPW Engineered Systems and Emco Wheaton we can supply your loading arms with a few different styles of heat tracing. We can offer traditional steam jacketing, ControTrace, or electric heat tracing for your loading arm.
Do You Need A Safe Guard For Overfill/Level Detection
Finally, Northern Platforms offers a wide range of loading arms and solutions, including supplying a level probe or overfill sensor which can help prevent costly and dangerous spills on site.
Heavy Duty Loading Solutions at Northern Platforms
If your team is in need of loading and safe access solutions you can count on, Northern Platforms has you covered. For over 20 years, we’ve been Western Canada’s preferred provider of loading products from the top names in the business, and are proud to carry solutions from brands like SafeRack (Northern Platforms is your exclusive source for SafeRack products in Western Canada), OPW, Emco Wheaton and more. When it’s time to tackle the toughest of applications, you can count on us to have your back, both with an inventory you can trust and extensive support services including turnkey installations and more. For more information about our support services, as well as our available crude oil loading arms, contact us today.
