When it comes to fuel tanker unloading equipment, dry disconnects have become essential for modern loading and unloading operations. These systems automatically shut as soon as your hose or loading arm is disconnected, which helps prevent spills and increases the overall safety of your site. At Northern Platforms, we specialize in turnkey fuel tanker loading and unloading equipment that integrates seamlessly into your site. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how dry disconnects work, the key equipment you need, and why they are a smart investment for your operation.
What are Dry Disconnects?
Dry disconnect couplings automatically shut off product flow when disconnected, helping to eliminate even the smallest spills. Unlike traditional couplings that release residual product into containment areas, dry disconnects retain any remaining fuel inside the connector itself. This means:
No fuel spills onto the ground
No product drips onto equipment or personnel
No vapour releases during disconnection
No cleanup required between unloading cycles
The retained product typically remains in the coupler and is removed during the next connection, or it can be drained safely during maintenance.
Dry Disconnect Options Available at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms stocks two proven dry disconnect solutions for fuel tanker unloading:
OPW Kamvalok Dry Disconnect
The OPW Kamvalok is an industry-leading dry disconnect system designed specifically for critical and high-value products. Key features include:
Locking handle maintains position to prevent unintended coupler opening or closing
Automatic closure in both directions—both coupler and adapter shut off simultaneously
Optimized for low pressure drop and maximum flow rates
Available in 1½”, 2″, and 3″ sizes to match your system requirements
Material choices: Aluminum or 316 stainless steel construction
Best for: High-volume operations, critical products, facilities requiring maximum reliability and minimal maintenance
Drylok Dry Disconnect Coupler/Adaptor
The Drylok system offers an alternative dry disconnect solution engineered for dependable performance in demanding fuel tanker unloading environments. Key features include:
Designed for optimal flow and pressure performance
Durable construction suitable for high-frequency cycling
Compatible with standard tanker receptacles
Available in multiple sizes and pressure ratings
Best for: Standard fuel tanker operations, retrofit applications, cost-conscious facilities seeking proven reliability
Why Choose Northern Platforms
At Northern Platforms, we’ll partner with you from initial assessment through installation, commissioning, and ongoing support. The result? Fuel tanker unloading equipment that seamlessly integrates into your operation. Here’s why Western Canadian companies choose us:
Single-source accountability: One partner for loading arms, vapour recovery hardware, gangways, and loading platforms, and more.
Proven equipment: We work with industry-leading manufacturers like Emco Wheaton, OPW, and SafeRack.
Custom solutions: Systems designed for your specific fleet, site layout, and operational requirements.
Installation and training: Complete commissioning services and operator training for long-term success
Maintenance support: Ongoing service to keep your system running at peak efficiency
Our experience across diverse industries—from petroleum terminals to chemical facilities—means we understand the unique challenges of different loading applications and can design the right solution for your operation.
Call Us Now!
Ready to invest in fuel tanker unloading equipment? Contact Northern Platforms to schedule your site visit today!
Albertan and BC operations regularly deal with high pressures, intense temperatures, and other rough conditions. Are your fittings and loading arms up to the task? Keep reading to learn more about one of the best fittings on the market—and how the Northern Platforms team can help improve your railcar loading system today.
What are Hiltap Fittings?
When industrial operations demand the highest level of safety and reliability, Hiltap fittings deliver. Manufactured by OPW, these specialized quick couplings handle the most challenging liquid and gas transfer applications with ease. They are specifically designed to handle high and low pressures and temperatures.
Benefits of Hiltap Fittings
Hiltap fittings are loved by many of our customers. Here are some of the advantages of this fitting:
Innovative Designs: This fitting features a metal-to-metal wedge seal design that locks under pressure. Don’t worry about the risks of accidental disconnections—this design offers complete protection in every circumstance.
Built for High Pressure and Intense Temperatures: If you regularly deal with high pressures or intense temperatures, you probably already know that many fittings on the market are not designed to handle these circumstances. But if you opt for Hiltap fittings on your railcar loading arms, you can rest assured that they will operate safely and efficiently through wide pressure and temperature ranges.
Complete Regulatory Compliance: Safety and compliance are a must for all truck and railcar loading systems—which is why all Hiltap fittings come with comprehensive compliance documentation, including Canadian Registration Numbers.
Common Applications Hiltap Fittings
Many Albertan industries benefit from the technology and quality of OPW’s Hiltap fittings, including:
Oil and gas: Ideal for high-pressure applications and sour gas handling.
Chemical and petrochemical: Ensures secure and safe transfer of hazardous materials.
Natural gas liquids (NGLs): Pressurized railcars require a loading system and fitting that complies with strict local and national regulations.
Other industries: These fittings are also regularly used for aerospace, nuclear, and cryogenic applications, due to their pressure and temperature handling capabilities.
Popular Hiltap Fittings
At Northern Platforms, we can equip your railcar loading system with several different types of hiltap fittings. Here are some of the options that we currently offer to customers:
3TL Transfer Loading Series: One of the bestselling fittings that Northern Platforms offers, this all-purpose solution provides leak-proof sealing while also maintaining unrestricted flow. Enjoy a quick connection, dry disconnects, and safe venting of any residual pressure.
3U Series: These fittings are specifically designed to replace conventional medium-pressure unions/couplings. This fitting is ideal for smaller transfers that deal with significant temperature cycling.
LQC (Locking Quick Connect) Series: Do you regularly deal with pressurized railcars or tanks? This coupling is guaranteed to never disconnect under line pressure. Opt for this design for operations involving oils, NGLs, acids, and other hazardous materials.
Contact Northern Platforms for Hiltap Fittings and Railcar Loading Systems Today!
Which Hiltap fitting will you add to your operation? With over 20 years of industry experience, the Northern Platforms team can walk you through our options and provide product recommendations tailored to your situation. Plus, if you are looking to upgrade other elements of your railcar loading system, we’ve got you covered. As Western Canada’s leading provider of fall protection and safe access equipment, we have everything you need to design, build, and create the perfect solution. Explore our product offerings online or contact our sales team for more information! Let us help make your operations safer and more efficient today.
