1.

0 LOADING ARMS
Loading arm are the equipment that permits the transfer of liquid or liquefied gas
from one tank to another through an articulated pipe system consisting of rigid piping and
swivel joints to obtain flexibility.

1.1 Classification on type of Construction

-Top Loading Arms
-Bottom Loading Arms
1.2 Classification on type of Application
-Marine Loading Arms
-Bulk road Loading vehicle Loading Arm

2.0
2.1
a) Safe

TOP LOADING VS. BOTTOM LOADING ARMS

Bottom Loading arms

- Ground level operation

- Reduced exposure to hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene) due to vapour collection,
- Effective vapour collection possible,
-Reduced risk of fire/explosion (compartment sealed during loading).
b)Efficient
- Fast vehicle turnaround (multi-compartment loadings),
- Cheaper gantry design possible,
- No up/down and left/right arm interlocks necessary,
- Clean operation (dry-break couplings).
c)Quality Assurance
-Dedicated grade-selective couplings available
-Cross-over protection system available
Applications :-Solvents and common white oil products

2.2
Top Loading Arms
a) Historically, top loading has been predominant
b) System is very flexible
Applications :- Loading of black oil and heated products and for locations where
operating conditions would not allow any alternative.

3.0 TOP LOADING ARMS

a)Articulated or Scissor type arms

-Operating radius between 2.5 and 5 M

-Employed when the greater reach
is not required

b) Boom type arms

-Operating radius of up to 5.3 m and Above

4.0 BOTTOM LOADING ARMS

-Combined hoses/pipes

-Simple in Construction
-Not Suitable for Load Bulk Vehicles

- Balanced articulated loading arms

-Flexibility to use Variety of couplers

-Easy to manoeuvre
-Can be Easily be made to cross over one another

5.0

COUPLINGS
- Couplers and adapters are manufactured to a common standard
- Liquid and vapor couplings for loading systems and vehicles shall be as per
API RP 1004.
- Nominal 4-inch loading coupling system

5.1

Design features of API RP 1004 couplers

-No twisting is required on attachment
-Loading valve, which forms an integral part of the coupler, can only be opened
when the coupling is securely fastened. This valve also opens the valve head on the
vehicle adapter.

-Dry-break disconnection that minimizes leakage.

Fig.API RP 1004 Coupler

6.0 SWIVEL JOINT

-Major Component of loading Arm
-Generally three piece construction
-Causes full 360 deg rotation
-Also features a leak detection hole to determine seal wear and Tear

7.0 INTERLOCK SYSTEM

-Secures the safety, security and quality of the loading,
-It mainly comprises of
-Earth interlock
-Overfill protection
-Low flow trip
-Verification of vapor collection connection
-Left/right detectors and up/down detectors for top loading arms
-Loading arm stored after use
7.1 Earth Interlock
-Static electricity is generated during loading.
- When non-conductive liquids are loaded an accumulation of static electricity
can take place resulting in sparks .
- The bonding resistance between the vehicle and the gantry shall be less than
10 , and this earthing shall remain in position until all other loading operations
have been completed.

-Loading shall not be permitted by the flow control system/interlock system

if the vehicle is not bonded effectively.

7.2 Overfill Protection Systems

a)Flow valve on gantry, sensor on vehicle arrangement
- Liquid level control sensor is fitted permanently in each vehicle compartment.
- The sensors on the vehicle are connected to the gantry flow control/interlock
system.
contd.

-Loading is only permitted when none of the sensors gives a high liquid level signal.
b)Flow valve and sensor on gantry
- For top loading only
- Liquid level sensors are fitted on the loading arms and in case of overflow
the control system on the gantry stops the flow to the loading arm.
-Not normally be employed because loading arm mounted sensors are
susceptible to mechanical damage

c) Flow valve and sensor on vehicle.

-This self-contained vehicle-mounted system is only used for bottom loading.
-Each compartment of the vehicle is permanently fitted with a liquid level sensor
and with a foot valve, which closes in case of high level.

8.0

OTHER ACCESSORIES

8.1

Deadman Type Loading Valve

-Ensures loading of the product only in the case operators Personnel attention
-Safety against mishandling of the product .

8.2

Vacuum Breaker
-Simple accessory to relive unwanted vacuum which may develop in the pipe line.

8.3

Emergency Release System

-Extra Safety for Loading /Unloading LPG and LNG Toxic Gases
-Provides 100% instant shut off, reducing the danger to operator and the
surrounding.

8.4

Dry Disconnect Couplings

-Prevent Spillage from routine accidental disconnects.
-suitable for loading and Unloading of LPG and other Flammable Fluids.

8.5

Arm Locking Device

-To hold arm in locking position.

8.6

Drip Bucket Clamp

-Collect Spillage after loading /Unloading.

9.0

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN PRE AND POST ORDERING

9.1

Scope of Supply of Vendor

-Fabrication and Assembly
-Manufacturing and procurement of equipment and materials
-Inspection and Testing
-Performance test of fully assembled arms
-Preparation for Shipment, packing and shipment
-Preparation and submission of documentation

9.2

Extent of Supply
-Loading arms
-Arm Balancing system
-Mounting stand post
-Emergency Release coupling
-Swivel joints
- Drain and Hydro test connections
-Name Plate and Support

-Over Fill protection system

-Lock down system
-Vacum Breaker
-Local Flow meter
-Greasing points on swivel points
-Earth lugs
-First Fill of consumables.

10.

SPECIFCATIONS TO THE VENDOR

Process Requirements
-Fluid Handled
-Operating Pressure and Temperature
-Design Pressure and Temperature,MDMT
-Flow rate, Pressure Drop Etc.
Mechanical Requirements
-Design Wind speed (Manouvering /Connected/Maintainence Position)
- Earth Quake Factor
-Design Life
- Material of Construction
-Nozzle Connections
Inspection Requirements
-Radiography procedures or specifications
- Painting specification
-Packing and Shipping Procedures
-Spare Parts Philosophy

11.0

MAJOR DELIVERABLES
- General Arrangement Drawing
- Detail Drawing for Arms , Couplers and Other accessories
with bill of materials
-Strength Calculation and other calculation
-Working Envelope for piping

-Visual Inspection Reports

- ERS Test ,Swivel Test Reports
-PMI ,NDE Test Reports
- Earthing Diagram
- Preservation and Packing procedures
- Operation and Maintenance Manuals

Thank You