The biofuel industry is rapidly growing, and as it does, it’s essential to address the safety and efficiency of loading and unloading these potentially hazardous materials. Traditional fluid transfer methods are often associated with risks of spills, leaks, and accidents, posing threats to both workers and the environment. However, Northern Platforms offers a solution that addresses these concerns head-on: OPW truck loading arms. Keep reading to find out more about these innovative loading arms.
Types of Biofuels
Before delving into the advantages of Northern Platforms’ truck loading arms, it’s crucial to understand the biofuels they are designed to handle. Biofuels are renewable fuels manufactured from various sources, including vegetable oil, animal fats, and recycled restaurant grease, as well as soybean, corn, and canola oils. There are three common types of biofuels:
Biodiesel: Biodiesel is typically blended with conventional diesel to optimize performance, ranging from B5 (5% biodiesel) to B100 (100% biodiesel). It shares similar properties with conventional diesel but offers a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Renewable Diesel: Unlike biodiesel, renewable diesel is chemically identical to regular diesel and can be used at 100% concentration (not blended) in standard diesel engines. It’s known as a “drop-in diesel” and offers improved cold-weather performance and environmental benefits.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): SAF is used to power jet aircraft and can be produced from various biomass sources, with yellow grease (waste vegetable oil and animal fats) being a particularly low-carbon option. SAF reduces carbon emissions and can be blended with traditional jet fuel, potentially reducing the carbon lifecycle by up to 50%.
Importance of Loading Safety
The safety of your staff and the environment is of the utmost importance when dealing with hazardous materials like biofuels. The loading and unloading of these substances from tanker trucks can pose severe risks to both personnel and the environment. Spills, leaks, and emissions must be minimized to protect workers and prevent harm to the surroundings. Fortunately, Northern Platforms’ truck loading arms are here to ensure the safety and efficiency of your chemical loading processes.
Truck Loading Arms: What to Consider
Northern Platforms’ inventory of OPW Engineered Systems‘ products offers a comprehensive line of dry disconnect equipment, including Drylok™, Kamvalok®, and Epsilon®, suitable for various hazardous liquid applications. By minimizing the risk of spills, leaks, and emissions, loading arms combined with these dry disconnects significantly reduce hazards, ensuring a safer working environment. Moreover, these dry disconnect couplings are proven to be successful in protecting workers and the environment when transferring hazardous materials, including biofuels. They significantly reduce the risk of accidental spillage and enhance safety.
When it comes to loading arms for handling biofuels, several critical considerations must be taken into account:
Loading Method: Are you splash loading to the atmosphere, or is it a closed-loop loading with vapour recovery? The loading arm must be selected to suit the specific loading method.
Material Compatibility: Understanding the compatibility of the loading arm and seal kits with the biofuel is crucial to prevent chemical reactions that could lead to leaks or spills.
Criticality of Application: Assess the level of hazard associated with the biofuel. Is it a potentially life-threatening application, or is it less hazardous? Your choice of loading arm should align with the criticality of the application.
When selecting the right loading arm for your specific application, the experts at Northern Platforms have you covered! Our knowledgeable team can visit your site to evaluate your requirements and challenges, ensuring that the loading arm chosen aligns perfectly with your needs and guarantees a safe and efficient biofuel handling process.
Find the Truck Loading Arms You Need at Northern Platforms
The biofuel industry’s expansion necessitates a focus on safety and efficiency in the truck loading and unloading processes. OPW loading arms offered by Northern Platforms are the ideal solution, providing precise control, automation, and emergency shutdown systems to minimize risks associated with handling potentially hazardous biofuels. By choosing these loading arms, you can ensure the safety of your employees and protect the environment, making the biofuel sector 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!
Bottom loading arms are becoming an increasingly popular loading solution for numerous industries and loading applications as they boost safety and productivity. Regardless of your industry, Northern Platforms will surely have the innovative and high-performance bottom loading arms you need to manage whatever fluid-handling applications your operation is doing. Below, we’ll discuss some of the primary advantages of using bottom loading arms and some of Northern Platforms’ most popular bottom loading arm models. Keep reading to find out more!
Why Use Bottom Loading Arms
Bottom loading arms are incredible loading solutions, providing numerous advantages over conventional top-loading. One of the main advantages of bottom loading arms from Northern Platforms is that they ensure the operator’s safety. By using these loading arms, the operator remains safely on the ground; instead of on top of the truck or railcar. Another advantage of bottom loading arms is that connections can be made significantly faster, reducing the time spent loading. Moreover, bottom loading arms also reduce the amount of turbulence and vapours, lowering the chance of static electricity and environmental hazards. Overall, bottom loading arms from Northern Platforms are an excellent loading solution that can enhance your operations’ safety and efficiency.
Bottom Loading Arms at Northern Platforms
When it comes to bottom loading arms, there are numerous models and styles to suit almost any application. At Northern Platforms, we are proud to offer a range of OPW Engineered Systems bottom loading arms. Below we’ll cover some of the most common bottom loading arms from OPW that Northern Platforms offers:
Counterweight Bottom Hose Loader
Installation and operation are easy with Northern Platforms OPW counterweight bottom hose loaders. These hose loaders feature adjustable counterweights mounted on horizontal rails, so finding your desired balance point is simple! This easy maintenance design and carbon steel construction ensure efficient handling and coupling to tank adapters. Furthermore, the OPW counterweight bottom hose loader easily meets API envelope requirements.
Unsupported Boom Bottom Loader
OPW’s unsupported boom bottom loader is manufactured to provide both flexible long-range operation and heavy-duty configuration that is reliable and simple to use. This bottom loader offers maximum flexibility as it is adjustable and features swiveling capabilities making it an incredibly versatile bottom loading arm option. Moreover, the unsupported boom bottom loader can be equipped with dry-disconnect couplers, quick couplings, breakaway couplings or other end fittings, depending on your requirements. Overall this bottom loader is an excellent choice for operations that require a low-profile, easy-to-operate loading unit for their railcar loading applications.
A-Frame Loader
Northern Platforms’ OPW A-frame bottom loading arm, is one of the most popular loading arm configurations available on the market today and for a good reason! This compact loading arm is adjustable for various elevations and tilting during loading and unloading operations. The A-frame loader is also fully customizable to suit your unique applications and is available in carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum for guaranteed material compatibility. Furthermore, the A-frame bottom loading arm can be mounted on staggered risers next to one another for maximum loading/unloading efficiency of concurrent compartment trucks. If you’ve been searching for an easy to operate bottom loading arm that eliminates your need for hoses, Northern Platforms has you covered!
Your Trusted Source for Bottom Loading Arms and More!
At Northern Platforms, we proudly offer a comprehensive inventory of loading arms, including bottom and top loading arms, from OPW Engineered Systems. Our selection of bottom loading arms is an excellent loading solution for hydrogen loading, petrochemical, and liquefied gas applications. As Western Canada’s premier source for safe access and loading solutions, Northern Platforms is your trusted distributor of OPW bottom loading arms and more! Contact us today to learn more about our inventory of loading solutions.
For years Alberta has been a top ammonia producer for many agricultural and energy-related industries. As the demand for cleaner energy sources increases, more processing, manufacturing, and industrial facilities will require other energy sources, such as hydrogen. The primary way to transport hydrogen is by combining it with nitrogen to produce ammonia. Hydrogen as ammonia is not a new industry; however, if you want to expand your business into transporting ammonia, you’ll need industry-specific loading equipment and safety solutions. This is where Northern Platforms can help! Continue reading to learn more about transporting hydrogen as ammonia and how Northern Platforms can make loading/ unloading this chemical safe and efficient.
Risk Factors with Loading Hydrogen as Ammonia
As many sectors turn towards more green initiatives, the ammonia and hydrogen industry is quickly growing. Ammonia is the industry standard way to convert green or blue hydrogen into an easy-to-transport fluid. That way, end users of either ammonia or hydrogen can store it with ease and don’t need to be concerned with the challenges of transporting or storing hydrogen in its pure form. However, there are still risks associated with transporting, loading, and storing hydrogen as ammonia. Ammonia is flammable, corrosive, and poses a significant explosion risk. That’s why it must be transported in below-zero temperatures. Due to these properties, ammonia transportation and loading require specific loading arms and safety measures. Fortunately, regardless of your business’ ammonia loading frequency, Northern Platforms has the loading arms you need!
Loading Arms for Ammonia
Ammonia is typically transported via thermally protected tank railcars and high-pressure tank trailers. Regarding loading these tanks, there is some specific equipment you need. Equipment such as truck loading arms or chemical hoses with quick-acting couplings, preferably in the form of Hammer Unions with stabber pipes, tend to be the industry preference. This is the industry standard as you can support this hose with a mechanical loading arm (otherwise called a bypass arm) for better handling. While having a top inlet with a control valve will ensure self-draining after use.
Also, with the help of Northern Platforms’ experts, our team can ensure your ammonia truck loading arms have both liquid and vapour hoses with the proper gaskets, seals, and spill containment systems, so you never have to worry about accidental spills or splash loading. Finally, to best complete your ammonia loading arm setup, our team recommends fitting break-away couplings near the inlet of the hose in case of a roll-away or drive-off event. When outfitting your facility with the proper ammonia truck and railcar loading arms, get assistance from the experts in safe access solutions. Trust Northern Platforms for all your fluid transfer and safe access solution needs.
Truck Loading Arms at Northern Platforms
At Northern Platforms, our team proudly provides customers custom-engineered solutions for all loading operations. Many of our solutions utilize industry-specific loading arms in conjunction with loading platforms and other safety systems. That way, your employees and facility can reap the benefits of having a tailored, all-in-one safe access and loading solution. With partnerships from top industry leaders such as OPW Engineered Systems, EMCO Wheaton, SafeRack and more, Northern Platforms is here to help you with all your hydrogen as ammonia loading needs!
Contact us today to learn more about our truck or railcar loading arms and other safe access solutions.
Regardless of your industry, ensuring your staff is safe from fall hazards is crucial for your business. This is especially true if your facility loads and unloads trucks. However, implementing a fall protection system for truck loading can be a complex challenge, as many factors can affect what would make the best system for your facility. Fortunately, Northern Platforms is here to help! As an exclusive dealer of SafeRack truck-loading fall protection equipment, our team is well acquainted with the many factors that influence fall protection systems. Continue reading to learn more about the factors you need to consider when investing in a truck-loading fall protection system.
Prioritize Fall Protection
Proper truck loading fall protection is vital for ensuring your employees are safe. Flatbeds, box trucks, and tanker trucks all have their own access points, access challenges and fall hazards that you need to be aware of. Moreover, the same can be said for different truck loading facilities, such as truck weigh stations and multibay trailer terminals. Suppose you’re loading trucks at a terminal or point of delivery. In that case, it’s critical that you have a safe means of accessing those trucks, tankers, and trailers. A truck loading fall protection system can ensure that your drivers and staff are safe throughout the loading and unloading process. Whether you require a permanent fall protection system or a temporary one, Northern Platforms has the OSHA/OH&S-compliant fall protection solutions you need.
Design Considerations
To implement an effective fall protection system for your truck loading process, there are a few factors you need to consider. Some factors to consider include trailer styles, the volume of traffic, the layout of the loading terminal, the location of the loading dock (indoors or outside), the presence of overhead cranes and more. For instance, say your truck loading facility primarily deals with tankers and bulk solid haulers. If that’s the case, a permanent loading platform with gangways is a great option to allow your personnel to safely reach the tops of these trailers. However, every truck loading fall protection system will be unique to the facility and trucks it’s working with.
Fortunately, the team at Northern Platforms can help you find the right fall protection system for your truck-loading facility. As the exclusive Canadian distributor of SafeRack products, Northern Platforms has the truck-loading fall protection equipment you need to keep your staff safe and ensure your worksite complies with OHSA/ OH&S fall protection regulations.
Truck Loading Fall Protection Systems from Northern Platforms
At Northern Platforms, our team is proud to provide our customers with a wide range of OHSA/ OH&S and IBC-compliant truck loading fall protection equipment. From mobile rolling stairs, such as the RollaStep, to truck loading platforms, gangways and OPW loading arms, Northern Platforms is your trusted source for SafeRack truck loading fall protection. Our fall protection experts can visit your facility to determine the best truck loading fall protection system for your site and applications.
Regardless of the type of truck loading facility or industry you’re working in, Northern Platforms is here to ensure your site is safe and accessible. Contact us today to learn more about truck loading fall protection and how our team can help you find the right equipment for your facility!
When you need safe loading solutions that can significantly benefit your oil and gas operations, you need loading arms from Northern Platforms. Loading arms are an incredible alternative to hoses. They can manage the demands of hydrocarbons, gasses, crude oil and more! At Northern Platforms, we are pleased to offer a range of loading arms that provide efficiency and superior performance. Below we’ll discuss some of the benefits of loading arms and how they can improve your operations loading and unloading activities. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Loading Arms?
Loading arms are self-supporting, highly efficient means of safely transferring fluids or gasses from storage tanks to tank trucks or tankcars. Often used in the road, rail, or marine transportation industry, loading arms are an excellent option for safely transferring chemicals from one holding area to another. Loading arms can be used for top and bottom loading / unloading. Within top and bottom loading arms there are several different styles / models of loading arms that can be utilized to meet your specific needs & requirements. Each loading arm variation is best suited for specific applications and can dramatically benefit the oil & gas, agricultural, chemical, and other industries. Since loading arms have a wide range of use, your operations can see significant benefits. The team at Northern Platforms can assist you with determining the optimal loading arm for your oil & gas applications.
Adaptable for Any Application
At Northern Platforms, various loading arms are available for your operation’s unique applications. For instance, our bottom loading arms give you an improved level of safety as the operator behind this equipment is stationed on the ground beside the loading arm. Bottom loading arms have a spring counterbalance, allowing for faster loading times and a more remarkable ability to reach mobile tanker openings compared to other competing models. These bottom loading arms also improve your operations efficiency, ergonomics, and general safety and cleanliness at your loading rack.
Compared to bottom loading arms, top loading arms are used across several industries, including the oil and gas industry. Top loading arms are available in numerous models and configurations, such as fixed reach and flexible reach arms that can be designed for both closed loop tight connection loading or open hatch splash loading. Other top loading arm models include scissor or boom arms that can be adapted for railcar and tanker truck loading. With options compatible with dry disconnect fillings, hatch plates, and overfill protection, Northern Platforms has the loading arms you need for your railcar and truck loading needs over numerous industries including oil & gas, chemical, agricultural & food / pharma.
Easy to Use
One of the many advantages of loading arms in the oil and gas industry is that loading arms are an alternative to hoses. That means, instead of constantly tweaking and adjusting your equipment, loading arms are ready to do the job and adapt to your loading needs in no time. In addition, loading arms from Northern Platforms can also manage the demands of highly repetitive tasks with minor issues. Unlike hoses which wear down over time, loading arms are more durable. When you need a reliable means of loading and unloading tankers, loading arms from Northern Platforms are here to help!
Trust Northern Platforms for Oil & Gas Loading Arms
Since 2007, Northern Platforms has been dedicated to ensuring that your truck and railcar loading systems are safe, efficient and durable. Northern Platforms understands that your operations need dependable, safe access and loading solutions as a family-owned and operated business. Contact our team today to learn more about our inventory of loading arms and other loading accessories!
