LPG loading and unloading operations demand precision, safety expertise, and specialized equipment. Understanding how LPG loading systems work is critical to protecting your workers, maintaining regulatory compliance, and optimizing operational efficiency. Interested in learning more about these systems? Keep reading for a deep dive into regulations, specifications, and processes of natural gas/LPG loading.
Natural Gas Loading Regulations and Standards
Natural gas and LPG operations are subject to several national and provincial regulations, including:
- NFPA 58 (National Fire Protection Association) is the baseline North American standard, establishing requirements for container design, loading equipment, operator training, and more.
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) is a federal regulation governing LPG transport by truck, rail, air, and vessel. TDG mandates container marking, driver training and certification, incident reporting, and emergency response protocols.
- Finally, all Canadian provinces have relevant health and safety codes which establish worker protection, training, certifications, and more.
At Northern Platforms, we are experts in all regulations that apply to creating a safe and efficient fuel loading system. For more information about the rules that could apply to our site, call our office today.
How Natural Gas Loading Systems Work
While exact protocols might differ, here is a general overview of how a natural gas loading system might work:
- Step 1: All equipment is grounded in order to prevent static electricity, which could result in fires.
- Step 2: Loading arms connect to vessel connection points (two product lines and one vapour line for railcars; isolated compartments for trucks) using standardized couplers designed to minimize spillage and vapour release
- Step 3: The transfer begins from the storage tank into the tanker truck or pressurized railcar through a loading arm. Meanwhile, displaced vapours are drawn back through the vapour line, which helps prevent excessive pressure buildup.
- Step 4: Flow rates are carefully controlled to prevent pressure spikes. Similarly, temperature is continuously monitored in case of cooling or heating.
- Step 5: Loading is completed, and operators record essential details, including ending tank levels, pressures, temperatures, and certification numbers.
Looking for more information about the best fuel loading arms for natural gas loading and unloading? Read our previous blog posts:
- Top 3 Bottom Loading Arms for Sulfur and LPG Loading Applications
- 4 Top Loading Arms for LPG and Sulfur Loading Applications
LPG Loading Specifications
This material can be moved by both truck and rail; however, railcar LPG loading is more common in Alberta. Important specifications for both truck and railcar LPG loading are below:
LPG Railcar Loading
| Specification | Details |
| Product Temperature | -1.1°C to 37.8°C (30°F to 100°F) |
| Design Temperature | -28.9°C to 43.3°C (-20°F to 110°F) |
| Operating Pressure | 552–1034 kPa (80–150 psig) |
| Design Pressure | 1724 kPa (250 psig) |
| Connection Size | 5.08 cm diameter (2″ diameter) |
| Line/Arm Size | 10.16 cm × 7.62 cm × 5.08 cm or 7.62 cm × 5.08 cm (4″×3″×2″ or 3″×2″) |
LPG Truck Loading
| Specification | Details |
| Product Temperature | -1.1°C to 37.8°C (30°F to 100°F) |
| Design Temperature | -28.9°C to 43.3°C (-20°F to 110°F) |
| Operating Pressure | 3447 kPa (500 PSI) |
| Hydro Test Pressure | 5171 kPa (750 PSI) |
| Connection Size | 5.08 cm diameter (2″ diameter) |
| Line/Arm Size | 7.62 cm × 5.08 cm (3″×2″) |
Northern Platforms: Your Source for Fuel Loading Arms
As Western Canada’s safety experts, the Northern Platforms team knows the ins and outs of effective natural gas and LPG loading. From a compliant railcar loading platform to reliable loading arms, we can build an integrated system from top to bottom. Interested in learning more about how we can help? Contact our office today!