If you’ve driven on the highway, there’s a high likelihood that you’ve seen a tanker. These trucks are integral to the oil and gas industry and are designed to transport liquids and gases by road. They are built with stable, rounded corners and can be trusted to transport flammable and unstable substances like gas, oil, and hazardous chemicals. Trucks need low centres of gravity and internal bulkheads or baffles when transporting fuel in a tanker. This is because fuel expands and contracts depending on its temperature. Tanker trucks might also transport other more stable liquid substances for human consumption.
How to Build the Best Fuel Tanker Unloading System
Looking to make your unloading operations the best in the business? The answer is simple: invest in a bottom-loading arm. While using hoses for loading and unloading in the fuel tanker industry is common, loading arms are superior for several reasons. Unlike hoses, they do not need to be recertified every year. Additionally, they are much safer for your crew. While Northern Platforms offers both bottom and top loading arms, we typically recommend bottom loading if your operation deals primarily with fuel. Here’s why bottom loading is best for fuel tanker unloading:
Helps prevent fires: bottom loading limits liquid agitation and turbulence, which can cause sparks and fires. These systems also typically feature grounding features.
Allows vapour recovery: bottom loading systems can be modified to recover displaced vapours, which can significantly reduce your environmental impact.
Reduces the risk of falls: As the name suggests, top loading is more dangerous since operators have to load and unload from the top of the truck, which creates a potential falling risk.
Extended lifespan (over 5 years) with frequent use.
Short lifespan with frequent use.
Site Safety
Easy and safe to operate. Can be outfitted with fall protection systems for additional safety.
Increased risk of tripping and other worker injuries.
Safety Features
Can easily be outfitted with additional safety features like dry disconnects, breakaway couplings, and overfill protection.
Can use breakaway couplings, dry disconnects, and hiltap fittings.
Certification Requirements
Low maintenance, no recertification required.
Must be maintained and require annual pressure tests.
Build a Comprehensive Fuel Tanker Loading and Unloading System with Northern Platforms
Ready to get started on making your operations safer and more efficient? We stock high-quality loading arms from EMCO Wheaton and OPW Engineered Systems, which are designed for optimal performance. These loading arms are ideal for unloading petroleum products, chemicals, and liquefied gases. Plus, when you partner with an experienced loading solution provider like Northern Platforms, you can ensure that your system will perfectly fit all your loading needs. We offer turnkey installation, expert maintenance, and consulting services. Explore our loading arm inventory and schedule a site visit with the Northern Platforms team today!
Efficient, safe, and effective–bottom loading arms are a worthwhile addition to your loading system.
Northern Platforms offers a wide selection of trusted and ergonomic bottom-loading arms from established brands like OPW Engineered Systems and EMCO Wheaton. Ready to integrate bottom-loading arms into your operation? Let’s go over some key things to consider before you make this purchase.
What are Bottom Loading Arms?
As the name suggests, bottom loading arms are used when loading from the bottom and should be paired with trucks or railcars that accommodate a bottom loading configuration.
Bottom-loading arms are a safer and more efficient alternative to hoses. Read more about the difference between hoses and loading arms in our previous post: “Hoses vs Loading Arms: Which Works Best?”
Here are some more advantages of bottom-loading arms:
Operator safety: Workers remain on the ground, which reduces fall risks.
Faster loading: Quicker connections and the ability to load multiple compartments at the same time.
Less turbulence: The process generates less turbulence in the tank, which helps lower static generation.
Less vapours: Fewer vapours are released, which helps lessen the environmental impact.
More cost-effective: Typically, these systems are easier and cheaper to build than top-loading arms.
Key Considerations for Choosing Bottom Loading Arms
There are several factors to consider when choosing your bottom loading arm. It is essential to consider your existing operation to ensure that you can find the right equipment for you.
If you aren’t sure where to start, contact Northern Platforms, and we will be happy to help you find a loading configuration that integrates seamlessly into your existing operation.
What type of fluid are you handling?
First, it is important to ensure that the materials of your bottom loading arm are compatible with the fluid you are moving.
For example, if you are moving corrosive substances, you will want to ensure that your bottom loading arms are made of a corrosion-resistant material like stainless steel. However, if you are moving non-hazardous materials, you could use carbon steel, which is often cheaper and lighter.
What type of vehicle are you loading?
Whether you are loading a tanker truck or a railcar, the type of vehicle you are loading affects the design of your bottom loading arms. Keep in mind that different vehicles have specific connection points and height requirements. Make sure to choose an arm that can easily reach and securely connect to your vehicle to avoid leaks and operational issues.
What is your loading environment like?
Your loading environment can significantly impact the type of loading arm you need. Consider: is there existing equipment that would interfere with your loading arm? Do you need an operation that is suitable for outdoor use? Are there other environmental factors you should consider, like extreme temperatures or exposure to hazardous chemicals?
What additional safety equipment do you need?
While bottom loading arms are a good start, there are always ways to make your site safer and more efficient. At Northern Platforms, we offer extra safety equipment to help ensure that your loading system operates smoothly and safely.
While bottom loading arms can improve the efficiency and safety of your loading and unloading operations, working with an experienced team is essential to ensure this new addition integrates seamlessly into your existing operation. That’s where Northern Platforms comes in. We’ll consider your existing equipment and ensure your new loading arm fits perfectly.
With over 50 years of industry experience, Northern Platforms is always happy to send one of our experts to your site. We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation every time to help guarantee a perfect match. Contact us today to find the loading arm that is right for you.
When it comes to loading a fuel tanker, proper loading equipment is essential. By using the right equipment, you can maximize workplace efficiency, as well as significantly reduce the risk of accidents and spills. At Northern Platforms, we are proud to be industry-leading providers of renowned safety brands like SafeRack, Emco Wheaton, OPW, and more.
Whether you need loading arms, loading platforms, gangways, safety cages, or hoses, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about our top fuel tanker loading equipment.
Loading Arms
The safest and most efficient piece of fuel tanker loading equipment is a loading arm. These loading systems are designed to seamlessly and securely connect the fuel tanker to the storage tank. Loading arms can also include several safety features, such as swivel joints, automatic shut-off valves, and more. By using loading arms, companies can minimize the risks associated with manual connections and enhance operational safety.
Are looking to integrate a loading arm into your existing operation? Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced sales team members and learn more about how Northern Platforms can help.
Hoses and Couplings
If your operation isn’t compatible with a loading arm, then you will have to use a different type of fuel tanker loading equipment, such as hoses and couplings.
At Northern Platforms, we offer a complete selection of custom hose assemblies supplied to meet your specific requirements and individual needs. We stock a variety of hose sizes in-house, ranging from ¼-inch to 6-inch. Plus, larger sizes are available upon request.
We offer three different types of hoses:
Composite Hoses: A unique type of hose composed of many layers of special materials/films held together between an inner and outer wire. Composite hoses offer flexibility, safety, and chemical resistance. They are ideal for use in most petroleum, oil, chemical, and LPG transfer applications.
Metal Braided Hoses: Northern Platforms offers a wide variety of specialized products, such as stainless steel braids, metal hoses, and flexible hose assemblies.
Industrial Hoses: Northern Platforms is proud to offer a full line of industrial hoses, including rubber, PTFE, air/water, steam, and suction/discharge hoses
In addition to hoses, Northern Platforms offers several fuel tanker loading accessories, including:
Hiltap fittings, also known as low/high temperature & pressure couplings
Hose handlers and hose retriever components
Sight flow indicators
Swivel joints
Hose and coupling restraints, such as velcro straps and whip checks
Fuel Tanker Loading Equipment, Tested
Did you know that Northern Platforms offers in-house hose testing and recertification up to 1200 PSI? Each hose comes with a chart showing the duration of the test and the pressure it was tested to.
Additionally, we can also help you test your hoses to ensure they are in good working condition. To make sure your hoses meet safety standards, Northern Platforms offers hose recertification testing. We’ll test your hoses, and if they pass, they’ll be recertified with a new ID tag. If they don’t, we can tag them and recycle them for you.
Your Source for Fuel Tanker Loading Equipment
No matter what your operation looks like, Northern Platforms has all your safe access and fuel tanker loading equipment needs covered. We are committed to providing our customers with superior quality products, on-time delivery, and outstanding service. Contact us today to learn more about how you can make your fuel tanker loading system safer and more efficient.
In the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future, the biofuel industry has quickly grown, offering an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. As this sector continues to gain momentum, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation is vital. At Northern Platforms, we have the loading solutions your distribution network needs to ensure efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Next, we will delve into our inventory of loading arms and explain their benefits to the evergrowing biofuel sector. Continue reading to find out more.
Safety First: Protecting Workers and the Environment
Loading and unloading biofuels means handling potentially hazardous materials, making safety a top priority. Traditional fluid transfer methods often carried risks of spills, leaks, and accidents, posing threats to both workers and the environment. However, Northern Platforms’ selection of OPW and EMCO loading arms address these concerns head-on.
These advanced systems are designed with safety features that minimize the risk of spills, leaks, and emissions. Features such as precise control mechanisms and automated operations assist in reducing human errors and mitigating potential hazards during the loading and unloading process. Furthermore, Northern Platforms’ OPW and EMCO loading arms are equipped with emergency shutdown systems, allowing operators to swiftly respond to unforeseen incidents and prevent significant mishaps.
At the core of the biofuel industry’s mission is to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. To align with this objective, the transfer of biofuels must also adhere to eco-friendly standards. Loading arms play a vital role in achieving this balance by significantly reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
One fundamental way loading arms from Northern Platforms can reduce your operation’s environmental impact is by minimizing product loss during transfer. Our top, bottom, and marine loading arms inventory is engineered to maximize accuracy and reduce spillage, ensuring that every drop of valuable biofuel reaches its destination. This efficiency not only boosts profits but also contributes to a more sustainable distribution network.
Seamless Operations: Enhancing Efficiency
Efficiency is the cornerstone of successful biofuel production and distribution. Northern Platforms’ loading arms are designed to optimize operations by streamlining the loading and unloading processes, reducing downtime and increasing throughput.
The flexibility of our loading arms allows them to adapt to various vessel sizes and configurations, ensuring a seamless fluid transfer regardless of the specific requirements. This adaptability reduces the need for complex adjustments or numerous loading systems, saving time and resources.
Furthermore, many of Northern Platforms’ loading arm models are equipped with advanced monitoring and control systems. This real-time data collection enables operators to track transfer progress, detect potential issues, and make necessary adjustments quickly. The result? A well-orchestrated operation that maximizes efficiency and minimizes operational hiccups.
Your Source for Loading Arms and More!
As the biofuel industry continues to expand, the significance of efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation cannot be overstated. At Northern Platforms, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive inventory of loading arms from trusted manufacturers such as OPW and EMCO. We also provide replacement parts such as seal kits, grease nipples, and ball bearings. Moreover, Northern Platforms provide in-house or onsite loading arm services such as rebuilds, recertification, inspections, hydro-testing and more.
So when your distribution operations require loading arms, Northern Platforms has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our loading arms and parts inventory!
