Bottom-loading arms offer several advantages over other types of loading equipment. At Northern Platforms, we carry a complete range of OPW Engineered Systems’ loading arms perfect for sulfur and LPG loading applications.
Below, we will highlight our top three models for sulfur and LPG loading and a bottom loading arm accessory that can make molten sulfur loading safer. Keep reading to find out more!
Unsupported Boom Bottom Loader
The OPW Unsupported Boom Bottom Loading Arm is designed to provide a flexible, long-range, reliable operation that is easy to use in sulfur and LPG loading operations. This heavy-duty bottom-loading arm has five swivel planes of rotation, allowing for adjustments when changes in elevation or tilting due to the vehicle being loaded or unloaded occur. If you’re looking for a versatile, heavy-duty, and durable bottom-loading arm for your LPG or sulfur-loading applications, the OPW Unsupported Boom Bottom Loader from Northern Platforms has you covered!
Here are a few other features and benefits of this loading arm:
Available in 2″ to 6″ sizes
Available in carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum
Fully customizable
Can be safely stored in a “jack-knife” position for safe clearance of vehicles
Easy to operate and maneuver
Features a low profile design with a long reach, making it ideal for railcar unloading
Easily connects under trucks
Eliminate the need for hoses
A-Frame Loader
Another great bottom-loading arm option from Northern Platforms is the OPW A-Frame Loader. This loading arm is a popular option for LPG loading applications. Its unique configuration enables flexibility and a long reach while remaining convenient and easy to use. Typically used for tanker truck bottom-loading applications, the A-Frame Loader can also be utilized in top-loading/ unloading operations, making it a versatile option. And just like the Unsupported Boom loader, this bottom loading arm also adjusts for changes in tilt or elevation during loading operations.
Next are some additional benefits and features of the OPW A-Frame Loader available at Northern Platforms:
Available in 2″ to 4″ sizes
Available in carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum
LPG options feature an all-welded construction
Crossovers can easily be achieved
For multiple product applications, this loading arm can be mounted closely to others
Stores in an upright, near-vertical position for closer installation proximity
Fully customizable
Eliminates the need for hoses
CWH-Series Counterweighted Hose Loader
The last bottom loading arm we’d like to highlight is the OPW CWH-Series Counterweighted Hose Loader. This loading arm’s simple yet rugged construction provides efficient handling and coupling to tank adaptors. At the same time, the flange-by-flange base swivel joints ensure reliable performance and easy maintenance. The counterbalance adjustment is also smooth and straightforward, making the loading or unloading process quick and efficient.
Below are some other features and benefits of the CWH-Series Counterweighted Hose Loader:
Features 4″ arms with a 114″ reach
Manufactured from carbon steel and aluminum
Includes a Dual Split Flange (DSF) inlet swivel for durability
Includes low-temperature fluorocarbon seals
The multiple-compartment loading capabilities save time
Crossover capabilities easily meet API envelope requirements
Comes with braided stainless steel or Rackmaster composite hose
Insulation for Molten Sulfur Loading
If your facility is specifically loading or unloading molten sulfur, then a bottom loading arm alone is not enough to ensure safe and efficient operation. At Northern Platforms, along with our inventory of bottom loading arms, we also offer a variety of loading arm accessories, such as the OPW Custom Insulation Packages. These removable and reusable insulation packages provide superior heat retention, safety, and an uncompromised range of motion, making them an excellent choice for temperature-sensitive loading applications. Available in 2″, 3″, 4″, and 6″ sizes and carbon steel or stainless construction, the OPW Custom Insulation Packages from Northern Platforms will ensure that your molten sulfur loading operations are safe and temperature protected.
Your Source for Loading Arms!
Are you ready to find the bottom-loading arms your operations need to ensure safety and efficiency? Trust Northern Platforms in Leduc, Alberta, to have you covered!
Contact us today to learn more about our offering of OPW bottom-loading arms and let our team help you find the right loading equipment for your application.
Handling hazardous chemicals demands precision, expertise, and unwavering commitment to safety. At Northern Platforms, we understand the critical importance of safe chemical transfers, which is why we stock high-quality and reliable loading arm systems. These systems are not only designed to facilitate the secure and efficient transfer of chemicals but also to minimize the risk to workers and the environment. Continue reading to learn more about our top loading arms, dry disconnects, and how Northern Platforms can ensure you have the right equipment for the job.
An Emerging Industry: Biofuels
Before getting into the details of top chemical loading arms, let’s take a moment to understand biofuels. Biofuels, like biodiesel and renewable diesel, have gained prominence as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. These fuels are derived from renewable sources like animal fats, vegetable oil, and waste restaurant grease. While they offer numerous benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, they come with their own set of challenges. Safe and efficient handling of biofuels is crucial to maximize their advantages; fortunately, Northern Platforms is here to help!
The Role of Loading Arms
When handling biofuels or other chemicals, loading arms plays a pivotal role. These arms act as a bridge between fixed loading facilities and chemical tankers, ensuring the smooth and safe transfer of liquids and gases. Essentially, they are the unsung heroes of many industrial processes as they are designed to withstand harsh chemicals while still upholding stringent safety standards.
Additionally, chemical loading arms from Northern Platforms are available in various configurations to cater to specific loading requirements. Among these, top loading arms are designed for filling road or rail tankers from above. They use a manhole or fixed connections, like couplers, to establish a secure link between the loading facility and the tanker. High-quality swivel joints and precise loading arm balancing are the cornerstones of these arms’ design, enabling them to transfer chemicals safely and efficiently.
Dry Disconnects and Loading Arms: The Perfect Pair
While chemical top loading arms provide exceptional safety and efficiency during fluid transfers, it’s important also to highlight the dry disconnect products that enable the transfer process to happen. At Northern Platforms, we stock a range of OPW Engineered Systems dry disconnects specifically engineered to enhance the safety and reliability of hazardous liquid transfers. Within our inventory, you’ll find four exceptional dry disconnect couplings, each with unique features and benefits. Below is a brief overview of how these couplings provide a shield against potential hazards during chemical transfers.
Drylok® – Exceptional Hazardous Liquid Transfer: Designed for the safe transfer of a wide range of hazardous and corrosive liquids, the Drylok® dry disconnect coupler excels in challenging loading-rack environments. Typical applications include handling acids, solvents and petrochemicals.
Kamvalok® – Virtually Eliminating Spillage: The OPW Kamvalok® Dry Disconnect stands out due to its unique poppet action, which virtually eliminates the spillage of residual liquid. Common applications include handling paint, inks, adhesives, petroleum products, and various chemicals. Kamvalok® offers a level of protection that is unmatched.
Epsilon™ – Unparalleled Efficiency: Epsilon™ Dry Disconnect Couplings are designed for efficiency and safety. Featuring an innovative double ball-valve system, Epsilon™ minimizes product loss while providing a reliable double shutoff mechanism.
Twist-Lok™ – Easy and Efficient: OPW’s Twist-Lok™ is the latest addition to their range of Dry Disconnect Couplers. It offers user-friendly operation and simple handling, providing a quick, easy connection with minimal product loss.
Installation and Maintenance Services
At Northern Platforms, our team doesn’t just stop at providing top-quality fall protection and access solutions. We also offer installation and routine maintenance services to ensure that your loading arm systems and gangways are operating in optimal condition. Moreover, our team is happy to visit your site or facility, assess your needs, and help you determine the best chemical top loading arm system for your specific application and facility. When you need expert support, Northern Platforms has you covered!
Your Source for Loading Arms and More!
The safe transfer of chemicals and biofuels is essential for protecting your workers, equipment, and the environment. Loading arms, especially chemical top loading arms, are instrumental in ensuring these transfers occur without incident. Northern Platforms provides top-of-the-line loading arms, fall protection, and safe access solutions prioritizing safety and efficiency. With our decades of experience and dedication to safety, our team ensures that you have the equipment you need to safely transfer chemicals with precision and care.
Contact Northern Platforms today and let our team help you determine the best possible loading arm system for your application.
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.
